In a dramatic unfolding of events, Prasanna Sankar, the co-founder of the tech company Rippling, has found himself at the center of a bitter and highly publicized divorce battle with his estranged wife, Dhivya Sashidhar. The case has drawn significant attention due to shocking accusations from both parties, including claims of international child abduction, harassment, and false criminal charges.
The saga began publicly on March 23, 2025, when Prasanna took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Dhivya of infidelity, alleging that she had been involved with a man named Anoop for over six months. He shared what he claimed were WhatsApp chats as proof of her affair. Dhivya vehemently denied these accusations, countering with her own claims against Prasanna, whom she described as a "sexual pervert" who secretly filmed women he was involved with.
Prasanna's allegations took a serious turn when he accused Dhivya of attempting to abduct their nine-year-old son. He claimed that she had relocated the child to the United States in an effort to gain an advantage in their divorce proceedings. In response, Prasanna filed an international child abduction case in a U.S. court, which ruled in his favor, ordering the child's return to India.
However, the custody battle did not end there. Prasanna alleged that Dhivya later disregarded their agreement and continued to pursue a divorce case in the U.S. for additional financial benefits. He expressed his frustration publicly, stating, "My name is Prasanna, who previously founded Rippling (worth $10 billion); I’m going through a divorce. I’m now on the run from the Chennai police, hiding outside of Tamil Nadu. This is my story." His plea has resonated with many, sparking a debate about the treatment of men in divorce and custody cases.
Amidst the turmoil, Prasanna has also approached the Madras High Court, alleging that Dhivya instigated police harassment against him. He claims that the Tamil Nadu police have been pursuing him based on false allegations, including kidnapping their son. Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan has intervened, instructing the police not to harass Prasanna.
In a statement to the media, Prasanna detailed his experiences with police harassment, claiming they attempted to enter his hotel room on March 7, 2025, to take the child away. He stated that his friend Gokul S was detained without an FIR, and only released after Prasanna appeared at the police station with their son. He accused his estranged wife of using the legal system to harass him and gain leverage in their custody battle.
Meanwhile, Dhivya has not remained silent. She accused Prasanna of serious criminal offenses, including rape and domestic violence, claims he has vehemently denied, asserting they were fabricated. In her testimony, she stated, "People say that children grow up in a similar way as their parents. My father-in-law has also indulged in sexual offenses. He abused my mother-in-law and chased her away from home. Now I am in need of desperate help from Chennai police. Please help."
As the couple's legal disputes escalate, the financial aspects of their separation have also become contentious. After discovering Dhivya's alleged affair, Prasanna agreed to a financial settlement that included a ₹9 crore (approximately $1.07 million) payment and ₹4.3 lakh ($5,100) in monthly alimony, alongside shared custody of their son. However, he claims that Dhivya later rejected this settlement, declaring it invalid and demanding more money.
Prasanna has taken to social media to share evidence of his claims, including WhatsApp screenshots and email exchanges that he argues demonstrate Dhivya's attempts to manipulate the custody arrangement. He contends that these documents contradict her allegations of kidnapping and abuse.
Anoop K M, the man implicated in the affair, has publicly condemned the wrongful circulation of his photographs on social media, urging Prasanna to clarify the mix-up. Anoop expressed his frustration, stating, "Respected sir, please ensure that only the actual individuals involved in your case are identified. My photos are being shared on social media simply because my name is Anoop, and my wife’s name is Roshna. Kindly clarify this misinformation, or I will be compelled to file a police complaint."
The ongoing case raises important questions about gender bias in divorce proceedings. While it is essential to acknowledge that women often face unfair treatment in family law, Prasanna's situation highlights how men can also become victims of false accusations and harassment during such disputes. This duality in experiences calls for a more balanced approach in addressing legal issues surrounding family law.
Prasanna Sankar, originally from Chennai, is an entrepreneur with a notable background, having worked with tech giants like Google and Microsoft before co-founding Rippling, a workforce management company now valued at $10 billion. As of March 24, 2025, he continues to navigate the challenges of his ongoing legal battle, seeking justice and a resolution to the turmoil that has engulfed his personal life.
As the situation develops, both parties seem determined to press their claims in court, with the public eagerly watching how this high-profile case unfolds.
