Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film recently made headlines after a worker reportedly died on the sets of the film.
The unfortunate tragedy has taken a new turn, with the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) debating the initial reports that the victim died from an electric shock and demanding a high-level investigation into the incident.
AICWA seeks FIR against Sanjay Leela Bhansali
In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta sought the registration of an FIR against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the production house, and all those found responsible for the death of carpenter Chandradhari Singh Yadav. The at Royal Pump Studio near Film City in Mumbai.
Notably, the development comes days after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) revealed that Yadav died after suffering an electric shock on the set. However, speaking to NDTV, Gupta alleged that the worker died after a portion of the set structure or roof collapsed. He further claimed that a few other workers were injured in the incident.
AICWA has now questioned the lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances of the death of the worker. In its letter, it stated that “complete and verified details regarding their condition and the exact circumstances of the event have not yet been clearly established”.
Calling for a “thorough, impartial and high-level investigation”, AICWA said the incident has raised serious concerns about workplace safety on film sets. “Had the required safety measures been strictly implemented and enforced, this tragic incident could possibly have been avoided,” the letter added.
AICWA seeks Rs 1 crore compensation for the victim’s family
Chandradhari Singh Yadav, 42, reportedly is survived by his wife and two minor daughters. The association has also demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the family, employment or financial assistance for his widow, and long-term financial support for the future security of his daughters.
The association urged the Maharashtra government to stop all shooting activities at the location until a comprehensive safety audit is conducted and mandatory safety norms are certified by the competent authorities. While speaking to NDTV, Gupta also cited previous accidents allegedly linked to Bhansali’s productions. He claimed that similar worker fatalities were reported during the making of Devdas and Padmaavat, as he raised questions about safety compliance on large-scale film sets.
has further alleged that film workers are often made to work in unsafe environments, adding that inadequate safety supervision increases the risk of workplace accidents.