Bangalore, March 6 (DHNS): Upparpet police on Saturday registered cases against actor-director Harish Raj for allegedly assaulting a constable on duty and attempting to commit suicide. 

Harish Raj, actor and director of a Kannada movie ‘Gun’ attacked Satish when he tried to stop the actor from stabbing himself atop Santosh theatre. Satish sustained minor injuries on his head. He succeeded in preventing Harish Raj from stabbing himself and jumping down from atop the theatre. The police registered two cases under Sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 309 (attempt to commit suicide) of IPC following the incident, Upparpet police inspector Lokeshwar told Deccan Herald.

Harish Raj, along with ‘Gun’ film producer Murali met theatre owner Arun Kumar after coming to know that ‘Gun’ was being taken off, in favour of ‘Kempegowda’, acted and directed by Sudeep. They had a heated argument with Kumar, claiming that ‘Gun’ was doing well in the box office and hence should not be withdrawn as that would violate the rules framed by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce.

Kumar reportedly told them that as the owner of the theatre, he could decide on screening a movie or taking it off. He reportedly dismissed Harish Raj’s threat to commit suicide if the movie was taken off.

Upset, Harish Raj went atop the theatre and brandished a knife, threatening to stab himself. Police and fire force staff rushed to the spot, and asked him to come down, but in vain. Soon, a large crowd gathered to watch the drama.

Ordered by his officers, constable Satish went up to prevent Harish Raj from stabbing himself. Noticing Satish rush towards him, Harish allegedly attacked Satish with the knife he was wielding, causing him minor injuries on the head. However, Satish managed to persuade Harish Raj to come down.

Later, Harish Raj told “Being emotionally blocked, I did something wrong. As a responsible citizen and being in the industry for long, I should not have done like this. I apologise for what I have done.

“Theatre owner Arun Kumar’s act is total injustice to an actor. As per the agreement, the theatre owner can take a decision after considering collection of the movie for two to three weeks. But, he decided to stop screening just two days after the movie was released,” the actor said.