Mumbai Police Book Director Pushpendra Singh and Wife After Actor Satendra Soni Alleges Assault and Hostage Situation

Police in Mumbai have registered an FIR against filmmaker Pushpendra Singh and his wife Pragati Chauhan following allegations of assault, non-payment of dues, and unlawful confinement made by actor Satendra Soni.

The Oshiwara Police Station in Mumbai has registered a criminal First Information Report (FIR) against director-producer Pushpendra Singh and his wife Pragati Chauhan following grave allegations levied by actor Satendra Soni. Known for his performance in the acclaimed feature film 'Laapataa Ladies', Soni reported experiencing physical violence, illegal detention, death threats, and withholding of earned remuneration during an outdoor shoot schedule. The incident has prompted strong intervention from the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), which has pledged comprehensive institutional support to ensure fair legal action for the victimized actors.

Allegations of Violence and Illegal Confinement During Production
The origin of the case dates back to June, when production for the film 'Paid Palki' was underway in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh. According to the complaint, disputes arose over non-payment of professional fees, after which the production team allegedly escalated the matter to physical beatings and intimidation. Satendra Soni subsequently released an emotional video on social media detailing the harassment he endured on set while pleading for justice. Soni recounted being wrongfully confined against his will and threatened with severe consequences when demanding his rightful wages. Co-actor Shreedhar Dubey, known for his work in 'Oh My Dog', also faced similar mistreatment during the same shooting schedule.

 

Union Support and Legal Steps Taken in Mumbai
Taking prompt note of the situation, the All Indian Cine Workers Association mobilized its resources to assist the impacted performers. Association President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta established contact with the victims from the onset and liaised with senior officials in the Mumbai Police hierarchy to formalize the legal complaint. These efforts culminated in the registration of an FIR at the Oshiwara Police Station on August 20, 2026. On August 21, 2026, the union issued a formal public declaration affirming its complete backing for both Satendra Soni and Shreedhar Dubey throughout the judicial investigation.

Statutory Charges Filed Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The Oshiwara Police have invoked multiple penal provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Pushpendra Singh and Pragati Chauhan. The registered offenses include Section 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt, Section 127(3) for wrongful confinement, Section 3(5) concerning acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention, Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation, and Section 352 for intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace. While welcoming the registration of the FIR, AICWA stressed the necessity of a transparent, pressure-free investigation and urged law enforcement to provide adequate protective measures for the complainants and key witnesses. The union also raised broader concerns regarding the vulnerability of daily-wage crew members and background performers across filming sets.

Satendra Soni's Professional Background and Career Milestones
Satendra Soni has established a growing footprint across mainstream Hindi cinema and streaming platforms. He achieved widespread acclaim for his role in Kiran Rao's directorial venture 'Laapataa Ladies', produced under Aamir Khan Productions, which represented India as its official entry for the Academy Awards. His filmography also includes a role in the popular web series 'Mirzapur', as well as feature films such as 'Doctor G' alongside Ayushmann Khurrana, 'Bawaal' starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui's 'Raat Akeli Hai', along with the television program 'Hello Bachcho'.

What this means for you
For Film Industry Workers: Highlights the critical importance of workplace safety, legal contracts, and timely wage protection for actors, technicians, and crew members on filming sets.

From a Legal Perspective: Demonstrates the formal mechanism for industry workers to seek police intervention and trade union backing when facing harassment or non-payment during shoots.

Questions & Answers

1. What primary allegations were made by actor Satendra Soni in the FIR?
Satendra Soni alleged that director Pushpendra Singh and his wife Pragati Chauhan withheld his shooting dues, physically assaulted him, issued death threats, and unlawfully detained him during a shoot in Maihar.

2. Who are the accused named in the Oshiwara Police FIR?
The FIR registered at the Oshiwara Police Station names film director-producer Pushpendra Singh and his wife Pragati Chauhan as the accused.

3. Which sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been charged?
The police registered the case under BNS Sections 115(2), 127(3), 3(5), 351(2), and 352 covering assault, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation, and joint intent.

4. What position has the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) taken?
AICWA and its President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta backed the victimized actors from day one and demanded an uninfluenced police probe alongside protection for witnesses.

5. Which major film brought national recognition to Satendra Soni?
Satendra Soni gained wide acclaim for his performance in 'Laapataa Ladies', directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan Productions, which served as India's official Oscar entry.

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