Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 7: In a shocking incident, the Versova police have registered an FIR against noted film director and producer Manish Gupta for allegedly stabbing his driver during a heated argument over unpaid salary.

The incident took place on June 5 at Gupta’s office in Versova, Andheri West. According to the FIR, 38-year-old driver Mohammad Lashkar, a resident of DN Nagar, Andheri West, had been working with Gupta for the past three years with a monthly salary of Rs 23,000. However, Lashkar claimed that Gupta often delayed salary payments and had not paid him for the previous month before sacking him on May 30.

On June 3, Lashkar called Gupta demanding his dues, but was reportedly told he would be paid only if he resumed work. Although Lashkar returned to work the next day, his salary remained unpaid.

The confrontation escalated on June 5 around 8:30 pm at Gupta’s office when Lashkar once again asked for his salary. Gupta allegedly abused him and, in a fit of rage, pulled out a kitchen knife and stabbed Lashkar on the right side of his body.

Despite his injuries, Lashkar managed to rush out of the office, inform the watchman and a nearby driver, and take an auto-rickshaw to Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle West for treatment. He later approached the Versova police and filed a complaint.

Acting on the complaint, police registered a case on June 6 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita – Sections 118(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons), 115(2), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).

Further investigation is underway.