New Delhi, May 23 -- Kannada actor Madenur Manu was apprehended following a rape complaint filed by a 33-year-old co-artiste, who alleged that he assaulted her under the "pretext of marriage." The arrest comes just a day ahead of the release of Manu's latest film Kuladalli Keelyavudo, in which he plays the lead role.

According to police, Manu went absconding shortly after the complaint was lodged on Wednesday afternoon. He was later traced and taken into custody from his native village of Madenur in Hassan district on Thursday.Manu, who gained recognition through his appearance on Comedy Khiladigalu Season 2, is also known for participating in several Kannada reality shows. Both he and the complainant had previously worked together on a ...