Dimple Hayathi

HYDERABAD: Film Nagar police have registered a case against film actress Dimple Hayathi and her husband David for allegedly harassing their 22-year-old domestic help and damaging her mobile phone at their apartment in Shaikpet. The complainant, a native of Odisha, arrived in Hyderabad on Sept 22 seeking employment through manpower consultancy Sri Sai Goodwill Service. On the same day, she was placed at Dimple’s flat in Westwood Apartments. In her statement, the woman alleged that during the week she worked there, she was repeatedly abused, denied food, and humiliated. “They humiliated me that my life was not even worth the shoes they wear,” she told police, adding that both Dimple and David used abusive language while assigning chores.The alleged harassment escalated around 7.30 am on Monday when the couple’s pet dog began barking. According to the FIR, the duo hurled threats at the maid and her family, prompting her to switch on her phone camera to record the incident. “David snatched the device, smashed it on the floor breaking it into pieces. He tried to assault me but I escaped from the flat and in that process my clothes were torn,” she said in her complaint. Acting on the complaint, Film Nagar police booked the couple under sections 74 (assault or criminal force on woman with intent to outrage modesty), 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 324(2) (mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.“We have recorded the statement of the domestic help. Notices will be served on the accused to appear for questioning,” Film Nagar inspector S Santosham said.