Mumbai, June 7, 2025:-
In a disturbing incident that has shocked the local film fraternity, Versova Police have registered an FIR against filmmaker Manish Gupta for allegedly stabbing his long-time driver following a heated dispute over unpaid wages.
The incident reportedly occurred on the evening of June 5 at Gupta’s office in Versova, Andheri West. The victim, Mohammad Lashkar (38), who had been working with Gupta for the past three years on a monthly salary of ₹23,000, claimed he was repeatedly denied timely payments.
Background of the Dispute
According to the police complaint, Gupta terminated Lashkar’s services on May 30, after allegedly failing to pay his salary for the previous month. However, after an assurance from Gupta, Lashkar resumed duties on June 4. When the salary remained unpaid and the issue was raised again the next day, tensions escalated.
The Alleged Assault
At around 8:30 PM on June 5, during another confrontation over the dues, Gupta reportedly verbally abused Lashkar, and in a sudden outburst, stabbed him with a kitchen knife. Injured and bleeding, Lashkar fled the premises and alerted nearby individuals before rushing to Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle West for medical assistance.
Legal Action and Investigation
Following Lashkar’s formal complaint, Versova Police registered a case against Gupta under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita:
•Section 118(1) – Concealing a design to commit an offence
•Section 115(2) – Abetment of offence
•Section 115 – Attempt to commit offence punishable with imprisonment
•Section 352 – Assault or use of criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation
Police officials confirmed that an investigation is underway. No arrest has been made as of now, and statements from both parties are being recorded.
Industry Reaction
The incident has raised serious concerns about labor ethics and treatment of domestic and support staff in Mumbai’s film industry. The filmmaker, known for his crime thrillers and investigative dramas, has not yet released a public statement.
