Karnataka government to issue safety guidelines following stuntman’s death on set of Love You Rachchu-Entertainment News , Firstpost

With Kannada film industry’s adherence to safety regulations coming under scanner following the death of a stunt master, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said the government will issue certain orders in a couple of days regarding the norms to be followed and obtaining of necessary permissions.

“Such incidents are coming to light, there are norms regarding it, but few are not following. We will come out with more clarity on the norms so that it is helpful in taking necessary permissions, and ensure that no one indulges in such activities without permissions,” Bommai said in response to a query on the incident and necessary permissions not being taken.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said keeping all things in mind we will issue certain orders either by tomorrow or day after.

A 35-year-old fight master, identified as Viviek, died of electrocution on the sets of the upcoming film Love You Rachchu in Jogenahalli near Bidadi on Monday, after he came in contact with a high tension wire, while performing a stunt.

Featuring Ajay Rao and Rachita Ram in the lead roles, Love You Rachchu is produced by Guru Deshpande.

According to reports, the crew, along with the lead actors, were shooting in Jogenahalli near Bidad, Karnataka. The entire team was at a private resort on Monday, 9 August. A group of stuntmen was also present to execute a fight sequence.

When the incident took place, the stuntmen were using a metal rope and cranes for a fight scene. During that moment, Vivek came in contact with a high-tension wire and died on the spot while shooting the sequence.

Soon after, the police was informed. Stunt master Vinod along his team are currently detained on charges of negligence. The film’s entire team has also been questioned by the police for shooting at the concerned location without proper permission, according to Pinkvilla.

While speaking to The New Indian Express, Ajay  revealed that he heard screams from people and rushed to the spot. On reaching the spot, he got to know that Vivek was electrocuted and died on the spot.

“I was sitting 200 metres away from the spot where the fight was being shot. I heard their screams and rushed to see what happened and came to know that Vivek died on the spot. I was not part of the scene,” the actor said.

Ajay further claimed that a high-tension wire was nearby and there was also water around the spot which was kept by the film crew for a fight scene. He also asserted that he refused to be part of the fight scene due to COVID-19 and did not wish to come in contact with anyone.

It can be recalled that in 2016, two stuntmen had drowned while performing an action scene for the film ”Maasthi Gudi” at the Thippagondanahalli Reservoir.

(With inputs from Press Trust of India)