Rangaraj: Forced Marriage and Extortion Attempt by Joy Crizildaa

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing public and legal dispute, celebrity chef and actor Madhampatty Rangaraj has issued a strong public statement vehemently denying recent claims and asserting that his marriage to fashion designer Joy Crizildaa was non-consensual, forced, and motivated by an attempt to extort money.

Rangaraj’s clarification comes in the wake of a reported recommendation by the State Women’s Commission for the police to initiate legal action against him, following a complaint filed by Crizildaa. Crizildaa had recently also created a fresh controversy by claiming on social media that Rangaraj had admitted to the marriage and acknowledging their newborn child before the Commission during its investigation.

Counter-Allegation of Blackmail and Coercion

Breaking his silence on the swirling rumors and reports, Madhampatty Rangaraj explicitly stated that he did not voluntarily admit to the marriage. In his social media post, he claimed the union took place “under duress,” alleging that Crizildaa threatened to release private photos and videos to defame him.

“I never admitted that I had married Joy Crizildaa voluntarily. The marriage took place under duress, as Joy Crizildaa threatened to release private photos and videos to defame me. Also, that marriage was forced to extort money from me,” Rangaraj’s statement read.

Financial Demands and DNA Test Challenge

The actor further detailed the alleged financial demands made during the proceedings before the Women’s Commission, which he claims he refused.

• Monthly Maintenance: ₹1.50 lakh per month.
• Car EMI: ₹1.25 lakh monthly for her BMW car.

Regarding the child recently delivered by Crizildaa, Rangaraj has maintained a firm stance, requesting a DNA test to establish paternity. “I have never avoided a DNA test; if it is scientifically proven that the child is mine, I will take care of it for the rest of my life,” he affirmed. He also challenged the notion that he made any statement as mentioned in the Women’s Commission’s referral order, vowing to appeal against it in court.

Crizildaa’s Original Allegations and Rebuttal

The public spat began earlier this year when Joy Crizildaa, a costume designer, publicly announced her marriage to Rangaraj and her pregnancy on social media. She subsequently filed a complaint against him, alleging that he abandoned her after cohabiting and had deceived her by concealing his existing marriage to his first wife, Shruthi, with whom he has two sons. She has also sought monthly maintenance from him for herself and the child.

In response to Rangaraj’s latest counter-claims of blackmail and extortion, Crizildaa has posted an alleged personal video on her social media, claiming it was sent by Rangaraj during his travel. She argues that the affectionate nature of the video, where Rangaraj can be heard complimenting her and sending kisses, undermines his claim that the entire relationship was an outcome of a threat or extortion attempt.

Legal Battle Set to Intensify

The complex dispute, which involves allegations ranging from marriage fraud to coercion and extortion, is now firmly entrenched in the legal system. Rangaraj’s latest statement indicates a resolute commitment to fighting the allegations in court, where he has promised to present all necessary evidence to substantiate his claims of duress and extortion. The matter is also complicated by Rangaraj’s first wife, Shruthi, an advocate, who is reportedly still legally married to him.

The case has attracted significant media attention, and the public awaits the court’s proceedings to determine the veracity of the serious allegations and counter-allegations presented by both parties.