Love and War Set Death: AICWA Demands FIR Against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rs 1 Crore Aid For Family

The death of a worker on the set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Love and War has escalated into a larger industry issue, with the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) demanding criminal action and a high-level probe into the incident.

In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, AICWA called for an FIR to be registered against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the production house and anyone found responsible for the worker’s death. The association has also sought a detailed investigation into what exactly happened on the film set.

The demand comes amid conflicting accounts surrounding the incident that claimed the life of carpenter Chandradhari Singh Yadav, 42. According to an NDTV report, AICWA questioned the lack

of clarity around the circumstances of the accident, stating that “complete and verified details regarding their condition and the exact circumstances of the event have not yet been clearly established.”

The workers’ body has urged the state government to order a “thorough, impartial and high-level investigation” into the matter. It said the incident has raised fresh concerns about safety standards on film sets and whether adequate precautions were in place at the shooting location.

In its letter, AICWA also argued that “Had the required safety measures been strictly implemented and enforced, this tragic incident could possibly have been avoided.”
Beyond seeking accountability, the association has pressed for financial support for Yadav’s family. He is survived by his wife and two minor daughters. AICWA has demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore, along with employment or financial assistance for his widow and long-term support for the education and future security of his daughters.
The organisation has also asked the Maharashtra government to suspend all shooting activities at the location until authorities complete a safety audit and certify that mandatory safety measures are being followed.

The incident took place on June 17 during the shooting of Love and War at Royal Pump Studio near Film City in Mumbai. While the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had earlier said Yadav died after suffering an electric shock, AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta has disputed that version. According to the report, Gupta alleged that a section of the set structure or roof collapsed, leading to the worker’s death. He further claimed that several others sustained injuries in the incident.

The differing versions of events have added to calls for an independent investigation. With AICWA now formally approaching the Maharashtra government, attention is likely to remain on the findings of any official inquiry and the broader question of workplace safety in the film industry.