Telugu actress Dimple Hayathi and her husband, Victor David, have been booked by Hyderabad’s Film Nagar police following allegations of verbal abuse, harassment, and physical intimidation of a 22-year-old domestic worker, Priyanka Bibar, from Odisha.
The incident reportedly occurred at their residence in Shaikpet between September 22 and 29, during which the complainant alleged she was denied food, subjected to degrading remarks such as “Your life is not even equal to our shoes,” and had her mobile phone smashed when she attempted to record the abuse.
A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including assault with intent to outrage modesty and criminal intimidation. The police have issued notices for questioning, and the investigation is ongoing.
Allegations of Abuse and Police Response
The domestic worker, Priyanka Bibar, reportedly began working at the couple’s apartment in Vamsiram’s Westwood Apartments, Shaikpet, on September 22 after being hired through a manpower agency, Sri Sai Goodwill Service. She alleged that during her employment, she was repeatedly humiliated, denied adequate food, and subjected to abusive language.
The situation reportedly escalated on the morning of September 29 when the couple’s pet dog began barking, leading to a confrontation. According to the first information report (FIR), the duo allegedly hurled threats at her and her family, prompting her to turn on her phone camera to record the incident.
David reportedly snatched the device, smashed it on the floor, and attempted to assault her, during which her clothes were torn. She managed to escape and, with help from her agent, filed a formal complaint at Film Nagar police station on September 30.
Who is Dimple Hayathi?
Dimple Hayathi, born in Andhra Pradesh, is a Telugu actress known for her work in both Telugu and Tamil films. She made her debut in 2017 with the film Gulf and later appeared in Atrangi Re (2021), Gaddalakonda Ganesh, and Khiladi, among others.
She adopted “Hayathi” as her surname for numerological reasons, replacing her original single name “Dimple”. Her career has previously drawn controversy; in 2023, she and her husband were reportedly involved in an incident where they allegedly damaged an IPS officer’s vehicle in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills, leading to a police complaint.
The current case has once again placed her in the public eye, this time over serious allegations involving the treatment of a domestic worker.
Background and Legal Context
The case has sparked widespread discussion about the treatment of domestic workers, who often work in vulnerable conditions without formal contracts or legal protection. While the Domestic Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill has been introduced in several states, its implementation remains inconsistent.
The charges under BNS Sections 74 (assault with intent to outrage modesty), 79 (insulting modesty of a woman), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 324(2) (mischief) reflect the gravity of the allegations. A Film Nagar police official confirmed that the victim’s statement has been recorded and notices will be served to the accused for questioning.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Allegations of abuse against a domestic worker, especially involving dehumanising language and physical intimidation, demand serious attention and accountability. Every individual, regardless of profession or status, deserves dignity and respect.
The Logical Indian stands firmly against exploitation and abuse in any form, advocating for justice, empathy, and systemic change to protect marginalised workers. As public figures, celebrities must uphold higher standards of conduct.
