In a disturbing turn of events that has left both Bollywood and the general public stunned, filmmaker Manish Gupta has been booked by Mumbai Police for allegedly stabbing his long-time driver with a kitchen knife during a heated dispute over unpaid dues. The incident, which reportedly took place at Gupta’s Versova residence, raises questions not only about workplace ethics but also about rising tensions in professional domestic relationships.
What Happened: A Salary Dispute Turns Violent
According to reports, the incident occurred on Thursday night at Gupta's apartment in the Sagar Sanjog building, Versova. The alleged victim, Rajibul Islam Lashkar, 32, who had worked as Gupta’s driver for nearly three years, claims he was stabbed during an argument about salary arrears.
Lashkar alleges that he had not been paid regularly during his employment and was sacked on May 30 without receiving his pending dues. Desperate to recover the money, he returned to duty but still did not receive payment. On Thursday night, a verbal altercation escalated dramatically, culminating in Gupta allegedly stabbing Lashkar with a kitchen knife.
The injured driver then rushed to Cooper Hospital for medical treatment and later registered an FIR at Versova Police Station.
Legal Action Taken Against Gupta
Manish Gupta has been booked under sections 118(2), 115(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—charges that include voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon and intentional insult to provoke breach of peace. As of the latest reports, Gupta has not yet been arrested, though legal experts and the driver’s counsel are demanding immediate police action.
Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, Lashkar’s lawyer, has vocally appealed to the authorities for swift justice. “There is no excuse for such violent behavior, especially when a worker is only asking for what he is owed,” Deshmukh said in a statement.
Who is Manish Gupta?
Manish Gupta is a known name in the Indian film industry, particularly in the crime and legal thriller genre. He began his career in the early 2000s, working closely with Ram Gopal Varma, contributing screenplays to hits like Sarkar and D.
Gupta later turned director, helming films such as The Stoneman Murders, Rahasya, and 420 IPC. His most recent work was the 2023 legal thriller One Friday Night, which starred Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman. Known for his sharp, investigative storytelling, Gupta’s alleged actions now seem ironically in conflict with the legal themes he often explores on screen.
The Bigger Picture: Power Dynamics and Payment Ethics
This incident brings to light the harsh reality of labor disputes, even within glamorous industries like Bollywood. Behind the red carpets and celebrity status often lie struggles over basic rights, such as fair pay and dignity at work. The driver, reportedly earning ₹23,000 per month, had continued working under financial stress, hoping for resolution rather than confrontation.
Unfortunately, the situation escalated in the worst possible way.
Such cases highlight a troubling power imbalance in employer-employee relationships, especially when the employee is economically vulnerable. Whether it’s drivers, domestic workers, or on-set technicians, their voices often go unheard until tragedy strikes.
Industry Reactions: Silence So Far
As of now, the Bollywood fraternity has remained largely silent on the matter. While legal proceedings continue, many are waiting to see if the film industry will condemn such violence or remain mum due to professional ties.
The industry has seen its share of controversies, but an incident involving alleged physical assault by a director over a salary dispute is rare and unsettling. If proven true, this case could trigger a larger conversation around labor rights and moral accountability in Indian cinema.
Conclusion: Justice Must Prevail
While filmmaker Manish Gupta has built a reputation for depicting complex legal battles on screen, it now appears he may be embroiled in one in real life. As the investigation unfolds, questions will continue to rise: How should celebrities and filmmakers treat those who work behind the scenes? Is justice equally applied when fame is involved?
This case should not just be seen as a one-off scandal but as an opportunity to reflect on the values of fairness, responsibility, and mutual respect in professional relationships—no matter the industry.
Whether Manish Gupta is guilty or innocent, the law must take its course. And for workers like Rajibul Lashkar, may this serve as a reminder that their rights are valid and worth fighting for.