Businessman found dead at actor’s residence in Bengaluru

The deceased, Vaishak, was reportedly alone in the actor’s RR Nagar flat when the incident took place. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

A businessman from Bengaluru was found dead at actor and former Bigg Boss contestant Krishi Thapanda’s residence in RR Nagar on the night of June 24. Deceased’s name is Vaishak. He was arrested in a case of alleged extortion and threats and later released on bail.

According to the police, Vaishak is a resident of Girinagar. He was staying in a flat in RR Nagar for the last few days. He was said to be alone in the actor’s apartment when the incident occurred.

Sources said that Vaishak had called Krishi shortly before the incident but she could not answer as she was away in Nelamangala. He is also said to have sent messages suggesting he intended to end his life.

After noticing the messages, Krishi alerted his family members who rushed to the flat. However, before they reached the apartment, Vaishak allegedly took an extreme step.

Police said they found no text or video message on his cell phone at the home.

Based on Vaishak’s father’s complaint, the RR Nagar police registered a case of unnatural death and started an investigation.

Vaishak came under the police radar earlier this year in connection with an alleged extortion case involving businessman Aravind Reddy. The police arrested him after a threatening letter demanding several crores of rupees was allegedly sent to Reddy through a courier service.

A case was registered after a complaint by Reddy. Vaishak was arrested before being released on bail.

The case was linked to a long-standing feud between Reddy and the actor. In November 2025, the Rajarajeshwari Nagar police arrested Reddy, a film producer and real estate businessman, on charges of stalking and harassing Krishi. He was detained at the Kempegowda International Airport after his arrival from Sri Lanka after a notice was issued against him.

The police then said that Reddy and the actor met in 2021 during a cricket tournament in Sri Lanka and later entered into a live-in relationship. The actress subsequently distanced herself from him with accusations of harassment and intimidation. A case was registered under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Meanwhile, after Vaishakh’s death, Krishi arrived to pay her last respects at the crematorium, but Vaishakh’s family members reportedly asked her to leave.

The police clarified that no charges have yet been filed against any person in connection with Vaishakh’s death. Based on a complaint filed by his wife, a case was registered under the Unnatural Death Report (UDR) provision.

“It is a UDR case and there is no mention of suspicion against anyone,” said a senior police officer.

(If you are in distress or suicidal, please contact these helplines: TeleMANAS at 1-8008914416/ 14416, NIMHANS at 08026685948, 9480829670 or SAHAI at 080 254979777

Published – 25 Jun 2026 15:31 IST