Bengaluru: The controversies surrounding Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 show no signs of easing. Days after the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board halted the show’s production over reported environmental violations, the reality series has been hit by a new wave of legal trouble—this time involving allegations of abuse and caste discrimination.
The complaint accuses them of engaging in or encouraging behaviour that includes verbal harassment, humiliation of women, caste-based insults, and even physical aggression.
According to the grievance, host and actor Sudeep allegedly contributed to a hostile environment by making comments perceived as offensive and demeaning toward contestant Rakshita, thereby promoting disrespectful conduct on the show.
The complaint further claims that contestant Rashika physically assaulted fellow housemate Malavalli Nataraj (popularly known as Gilli) during an episode, escalating concerns about safety and unchecked aggression within the house.
Contestant Ashwini Gowda, who is believed to have links to the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, has been accused of making caste-related remarks aimed at Rakshita. The complaint states that she mocked the contestant’s background and used coded phrases like “S Category” to imply Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe identity in a derogatory manner.
Season 12 of Bigg Boss Kannada, which airs on Colors Kannada, follows the franchise’s established format—isolating contestants under constant surveillance while host Kiccha Sudeep guides the weekly episodes. While the show prides itself on capturing raw, unfiltered human behaviour, the recent accusations have intensified scrutiny from both the public and regulatory bodies.
With the Women’s Commission now examining the allegations and the production already under pressure from environmental regulators, the future of the season appears increasingly uncertain. The showrunners have yet to issue a detailed statement in response to the complaint.
