Versova Police have launched an investigation after a complaint was filed against filmmaker Manish Gupta, known for films such as Section 375, Rahasya, and 420 IPC, for allegedly stabbing his driver following a heated dispute over salary. The incident reportedly occurred earlier on Friday morning, and the driver, Rajibul Lashkar (38), is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
According to a report by mid-day, Gupta has been booked under Section 118 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—a provision related to voluntarily causing hurt. The FIR was registered at the Versova Police Station, and officials are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the scene to establish the facts.
Conflicting Claims from Both Sides
While the driver claims that the filmmaker attacked him with a knife during a confrontation about unpaid wages, Manish Gupta has denied all allegations, calling them “false and fabricated.” When contacted, Gupta redirected inquiries to his lawyer Dinesh Tiwari, who strongly refuted the charges.
“The allegation against my client Mr. Manish Gupta is baseless and false. This is nothing but a deliberate attempt to extort money from my client,” Tiwari said. He further claimed that Rajibul Lashkar has a criminal background, including an alleged case of bank fraud, and insisted that the driver’s complaint was a “pressure tactic.”
Tiwari also confirmed that they plan to initiate counter-legal action against Lashkar for providing false information and filing what he describes as a “fake FIR.”
Driver’s Lawyer Demands Immediate Arrest
Meanwhile, Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, who is representing the driver, has demanded Gupta’s immediate arrest, citing the seriousness of the assault. He maintains that his client is the victim and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
The case has garnered attention due to Manish Gupta’s standing in the film industry, known for crafting courtroom and crime thrillers rooted in real-life cases. The ongoing probe by the Mumbai Police will likely determine the next course of legal action.
Further developments are awaited as both sides prepare for what could become a prolonged legal confrontation.
