Tragic Incident on the Sets of ‘Imlie’ Sparks Safety Concerns and Demand for Accountability
The recent tragic incident on the set of the popular TV show ‘Imlie’ has not only resulted in the loss of a 23-year-old technician’s life but has also brought to the forefront serious concerns about safety on Hindi TV show sets. Mahendra Yadav, a young man from Uttar Pradesh, tragically lost his life due to electrocution on the set of ‘Imlie’ on September 19 at approximately 4 pm. Sachin Panchal, the investigating officer, confirmed the incident, stating, “We received a call from the trauma hospital. He was electrocuted, and we have filed an accidental death report.”
The incident has exposed alleged negligence in ensuring safety measures on the sets of TV shows. Suresh Gupta, President of the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), addressed the issue by writing a letter to Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, demanding action against the producer and the network just two days after the accident. Gupta expressed his concerns, saying, “Producers and channels don’t take any safety measures on the sets. Every month, we hear about fires breaking out on some set or the other. I have urged the CM to take action against the producer and channel, as this amounts to attempted murder. We have also demanded the suspension of Film City’s MD, Dr. Avinash Dhakne.”
Mahendra Yadav was a member of the Dhadak Kamgar Union (DKU), and his body was transported to Uttar Pradesh for his final rites. Abhijeet Rane, the founder of DKU, shared that discussions with the production house regarding compensation are underway. Gupta and Rane have demanded Rs 50 Lakhs as compensation for Yadav’s family.
Gul Khan, the producer of ‘Imlie,’ expressed her condolences and stated, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing away of one of our technical crew members. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, and we will provide them with the required support as they tide through this extremely difficult time.”
While investigations are ongoing, concerns about safety at Film City, a prominent shooting location, have been raised. B N Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), pointed out that Film City should also be held accountable for negligence. Tiwari alleged a lack of essential safety measures, including ambulances and fire safety. In response, Dr. Avinash Dhakne defended Film City’s safety measures, stating that they have an ambulance on the premises and access to BMC services.
Earlier this year, a major fire incident occurred on the set of ‘Ghum Hain Kisikey Pyar Mein.’ While producer J D Majethia refrained from commenting on Yadav’s tragic death, he emphasized the need for infrastructure improvement and collaboration between units and producers to enhance safety on sets.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to prioritize safety in the entertainment industry, and it has prompted a demand for accountability and systemic improvements.