In a shocking turn of events, a fatal bike accident took place on the sets of crime show Savdhaan India. According to online reports, a worker named Pramod Kalekar died in a bike accident that happened on February 13 around 4.30 am, after a shift of nearly 19-20 hours. The report suggested that Pramod was an Assistant Art Director on the crime show, which is being produced by Rajesh Tripathi (Ghummakad Productions). Soon after the unfortunate incident took place, the shooting of Savdhaan India was stopped by the Federation Of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).
Confirming the same, FWICE President BN Tewari revealed to ETimes, “There was no shooting of 'Savdhaan India ' since that ill-fated day. As far as I know, we have been seeing repeat episodes of old.” According to a report in ETimes, the Federation has asked producer Rajesh Tripathi to pay a compensation of Rs 20 Lakh to the deceased’s wife, Savita Kalekar. President Tewari told ETimes, “Tripathi did pay Rs 20 lakh but the show's broadcaster had also been asked by us to clear his outstanding dues of 20 episodes. This is apparently Tripathi's first show as a producer and the Rs 20 lakh compensation mustn't have been easy on his pocket. So, we felt that his dues should be first paid up by the channel so that he can at least breathe a bit free. The channel also took time but have now finally agreed- and so we have given a green signal to the shoot from only today.”
He added further, “However, let me tell you that Tripathi had to pay Rs 15 lakh to Pramod's wife from his account while he will recover the remaining Rs 5 lakh from an insurance company. Time and again we have insisted that everyone on the sets should be insured to the tune of Rs 25 lakh but Tripathi hadn't toed the line and he insured them for only Rs 5 lakh. If he had gone by our recommendations, he wouldn't have had to disturb his own account."
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When contacted late Pramod’s wife Savita Kalekar, she told ETimes, "Yes, I have received Rs 20 lakh. I have two kids to look after, my daughter is in the 11th standard and my son is in 4th. Pramod, my husband, was a very safe bike rider. He never drove fast or recklessly." Recalling their last conversation, she said, "I spoke to him on February 13, a little past midnight. It was around 12:30 am and he told me he still has work and will come home late. Aur uske baad....” (ALSO READ: Savdhaan India's Host Sushant Singh’s Twitter Handle Withheld In Response To A Legal Demand; Deets INSIDE)
Former General Secretary of Art Directors' Association Dilip Pithwa earlier told ETimes, "It is a terrible thing that we have lost Pramod in such a manner. It was a 7 am shoot from Friday which was stretched till 3.30 am for the next day. Pramod was there from the morning. We don't know the exact cause of the accident yet, though."
Images Source: twitter/savdhaanindia