By Ruby Zaidi
MUMBAI — Filmmaker Manish Gupta has been booked by Mumbai police for allegedly attacking his driver with a knife following a dispute over unpaid salary.
The incident reportedly occurred on the evening of June 6 at Gupta’s residence-cum-office in Versova, a western suburb of Mumbai.
According to the Versova police, the altercation took place around 8:30 p.m. and stemmed from a long-standing disagreement over the payment of salary.
The driver, identified as Mohammed Lashkar, has accused the director of physically assaulting him during a heated argument regarding unpaid dues.
Lashkar, who claims to have worked as Gupta’s driver for over three years, alleged that he was terminated on May 30 after he demanded his pending April salary of ₹23,000.
However, he was reportedly re-employed just four days later, although the financial dispute remained unresolved.
The situation escalated on June 6 when Lashkar confronted Gupta once again over the outstanding salary.
Lashkar alleges that the filmmaker responded violently during the exchange, attacking him with a knife. The police said the complaint was registered shortly thereafter.
Based on Lashkar’s statement and preliminary investigation, an FIR has been filed against Manish Gupta under multiple sections of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The sections invoked include charges related to assault, voluntarily causing hurt with a weapon, and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.
Gupta’s legal representative has denied all allegations made by Lashkar, asserting that the claims are baseless and defamatory. “My client categorically denies any involvement in the alleged assault.
We believe the matter is being misrepresented, and we will fully cooperate with the authorities to clarify the facts,” said Gupta’s lawyer in a statement to the press.
The Versova police confirmed that the matter is under investigation and that both parties will be questioned further to establish the sequence of events.
“We are examining all angles in the case, including statements from witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity,” a senior police officer said.
Manish Gupta is best known for directing films such as Rahasya and Section 375, both of which explored themes of crime and justice.
The current allegations have sparked significant public interest, given Gupta’s background in making socially relevant thrillers that often deal with legal and moral complexities.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the case. Police officials have stated that Gupta will be called in for questioning and that appropriate legal action will follow based on the outcome of the investigation.
