Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 9: Filmmaker Manish Gupta, recently booked by the Versova Police for allegedly assaulting his driver, Rajebul Lashkar, has firmly denied the accusations, calling them “completely false” and part of an “extortion racket.”
Gupta said, “This is a 100% false accusation. There was no fight. The driver went to the police with a fake story just to pressure me and damage my reputation in order to extort money.”
Refuting claims that he failed to pay the driver’s salary on time, Gupta stated he has bank records from the past three years showing regular monthly payments, including advances beyond the salary.
“The very first line of his FIR is a lie—that I never paid him on time. My bank statements will prove that he was paid every month without fail. This proves his entire allegation is fabricated.”
Gupta emphasized that there was no altercation and that the salary issue was falsely raised to create a legal ground for extortion.
“He just made the salary a topic to support his fake claim. He has a malafide motive. This is nothing but an extortion racket,” the director asserted.
Gupta also confirmed his cooperation with the investigation, stating he had submitted a written statement to the police, complete with a stamped acknowledgment.
“I told the police everything in writing—this FIR is based on a lie. And I am not compromising. We are initiating legal action and criminal proceedings against him.”
The filmmaker further alleged that the driver has a criminal background, adding,
“This trend of extortion is dangerous, especially for Bollywood figures. We are soft targets, and it must stop.”
Manish Gupta has been booked under Sections 118(2), 115(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).