Telugu actress Kalpika Ganesh has been booked by the Hyderabad Police following a reported altercation at Prism Pub in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, during her birthday celebration on May 29. The incident, which has since gained significant traction on social media, led to a complaint filed by the pub’s management, citing property damage, verbal abuse, and alleged false accusations by the actress.
According to the complaint lodged by Deepak Bajaj, Managing Partner of Prism Club and Kitchen, Kalpika Ganesh, accompanied by a friend, visited the establishment to celebrate her birthday. The dispute reportedly ignited over a complimentary cheesecake. While the pub staff offered a brownie as a goodwill gesture, Ganesh allegedly refused, escalating the situation.
Witnesses and pub staff claim that Kalpika engaged in a heated verbal exchange, using abusive and body-shaming language towards employees. She is also accused of crumpling and throwing the bill, amounting to ₹2,200, and tossing a plate, causing minor property damage. The situation reportedly continued to be uncooperative even after police officials arrived at the scene.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Kalpika Ganesh went live on Instagram during the chaos to broadcast the incident. In the hours following the confrontation, she posted on social media, accusing the pub staff of serious offenses, including rape and molestation. However, police officials have since reviewed CCTV footage and witness statements, labeling these allegations as “false and defamatory,” stating that there is currently no evidence to support claims of sexual assault.
The pub management, after an initial delay, filed an official complaint on June 10, citing continued provocation and defamation by the actress. Based on this complaint, the Gachibowli police registered a case under the newly enforced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. The charges include:
- Section 324(4): Pertaining to property damage (specifically, damage between ₹20,000 and ₹1,00,000).
- Section 352: Intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace.
- Section 351: Criminal intimidation.
Authorities are currently examining all available evidence, including CCTV footage of the incident, witness statements, and social media posts. A notice is likely to be issued soon, summoning Kalpika Ganesh for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
In response to the booking, Kalpika Ganesh has released multiple videos defending her actions, asserting that she was humiliated by the pub staff and that her and her physically challenged friend’s dignity were disrespected. She has also filed a counter-complaint, accusing the pub of harassment.
Police confirm that both complaints are being treated seriously and all angles are being thoroughly reviewed. The incident has sparked widespread discussion online regarding conduct in public spaces, celebrity behavior, and the credibility of claims made on social media platforms during high-profile disputes. Kalpika Ganesh, known for her work in independent Telugu cinema and web series, has not issued a formal statement beyond her online posts. The case remains under active investigation.