Three held for attack on cast, crew of ALTBalaji show
Mumbai: Three persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on the cast and crew of ALTBalaji's under-production show "Fixer" in neighbouring Thane district, a senior police official said Thursday.
Some team members of the web series on Thursday also met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who assured that strict action will be taken against the culprits.
According to a police official, there was a dispute over selection of a spot for the shoot, following which some men attacked the show's crew members while they were shooting at a set located on Ghodbunder Road in Thane on Tuesday.
Later, the show's assistant director lodged a complaint following which three men - Krishna Sonar, Sonu Das and Suraj Gupta - were arrested on Wednesday, Kasarwadavali police station's senior inspector K Khairnar said.
The accused have been booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 326 (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means) and 143 (unlawful assembly) as well as other relevant provisions, he said.
In a video shared by filmmaker-actor Tigmanshu Dhulia, who features in the series, the show's producer, Sakett Saawhney, and actor Mahie Gill alleged they were beaten up by drunk goons.
Meanwhile, the show's director, Soham Shah, Gill, and other cast and crew along with filmmaker Ashoke Pandit met Fadnavis in the state legislature here and informed him about the incident.
Speaking to reporters after their meeting, Pandit and Gill said the chief minister assured that stern action will be taken against the attackers.
Pandit said they apprised Fadnavis about members of the film industry feeling insecure while shooting in Thane, Mira Road and Naigaon areas, where, he caimed, such incidents often take place.
"The entire unit was shooting in a closed set at the Ghodbunder Road in Thane. Some eight to ten people came there and attacked the unit," he said.
"Most of the unit members", including Shah, were injured in the attack, he told reporters.
Gill said the incident took place when the team was busy shooting the climax sequence of the series.
"Suddenly some goons turned up at the set and started attacking. They didn't abuse anyone or say anything. They straight away started hitting people. They approached me also to attack, but I immediately rushed towards a vehicle (for safety)," she added.
Gill said the attackers also vandalised a vanity van.
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Need to create jobs to restore peace among communities in Dakshina Kannada: DK Shivakumar
Puttur: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday emphasised the need for job creation to restore peace among communities in the coastal and interior regions of Dakshina Kannada.
He made this remark while highlighting the growing concerns over communal disturbances and economic challenges in these areas.
Shivakumar also announced plans for a separate tourism policy aimed at fostering employment in these areas.
Speaking at the "Ashok Jan-Man" saree distribution event organised by MLA Ashok Rai's Rai Estates and Educational and Charitable Trust here, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the pressing issues faced by Dakshina Kannada district.
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"Dakshina Kannada is becoming a barren land, with educational institutions no longer attracting students from outside due to communal tensions and other issues. Many local banks have disappeared, forcing our youth to seek employment in Saudi Arabia, Mumbai, and Bengaluru," he said.
Shivakumar has urged local leaders to prioritise job creation.
"This region is home to numerous temples and boasts a beautiful coastline, making it ideal for a distinct tourism policy. Despite having the largest port, Mangaluru lacks quality five-star hotels," he said.
He praised Rai for his dedication to Puttur's development, stating, "Numerous plans are in place for Puttur's growth, but I cannot disclose them now due to the upcoming by-elections."
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support Rai, adding, "Like Purandara Dasa's song, this is a moment of fortune to meet all sections of society in Puttur without any political bias."
Shivakumar reaffirmed the government's commitment to support Rai's educational and charitable initiatives, emphasising the importance of remembering one's roots.
"The memory of our mothers is the source of love, the memory of our teachers is the source of knowledge, and the memory of devotion is the source of divinity," he said.
"By 2028, with the blessings of Panchalingeshwara in Puttur, the Congress party will return to power to serve the people of the state. We do not win with mere words but with heartfelt connections," Shivakumar added.
