In a tragic incident that shocked the Bollywood industry and
art community, renowned art director Nitin Desai's death has resulted in an
offense being registered against five individuals, including officials of
Edelweiss Group and its company ECL Finance. The incident, which occurred at
his studio in Karjat, Raigad district, Maharashtra, has led to the registration
of a First Information Report (FIR) under Indian Penal Code sections 306
(abetment of suicide) and 34 (common intention). The complaint was filed by
Nitin Desai's wife, Neha Desai, who alleged that her husband faced relentless
mental harassment due to the loans taken by his company, eventually leading to
his untimely demise.
Nitin Chandrakanth Desai. Image credit: Nitin Chandrakanth Desai's facebook handle.
Nitin Desai was a highly acclaimed art director, known for
his exceptional work in Bollywood films like "Lagaan" and
"Jodhaa Akbar." However, behind the scenes, his company, ND's Art
World Pvt Ltd, was facing financial troubles. The company had borrowed Rs 185
crore through two loans from ECL Finance, a non-banking finance arm of the
Edelweiss Group, in 2016 and 2018. Unfortunately, from January 2020, the
company encountered difficulties with repayments, leading to a default on a
significant Rs 252 crore loan repayment to creditors.
The Allegations and Mental Harassment
According to the complaint filed by Neha Desai, her husband
was subjected to unrelenting mental harassment due to the mounting financial
pressure and the insolvency proceedings initiated by the Mumbai bench of the
National Company Law Tribunal. Nitin Desai's company's financial woes were
allegedly the cause of the mental anguish he experienced, which eventually
pushed him to take the extreme step of ending his own life.
Legal Action and FIR Registration
Following the heart-breaking incident, the Raigad police in
Maharashtra took swift action and registered an FIR against five individuals.
Among those facing allegations are officials from Edelweiss Group and ECL
Finance. The FIR was filed under sections 306 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code,
accusing the individuals of abetment of suicide and common intention.
Last Rites
The loss of Nitin Desai sent shockwaves throughout the film
and art community. The 57-year-old's last rites were performed at his studio in
Karjat, where family members, friends, and colleagues gathered to bid farewell
to the National Award-winning art director. Desai’s
family, including his son Siddhant and daughter Mansi, were seen giving emotional
farewell to their beloved father, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Manoj Joshi
were there in the funeral along with many Marathi film stars and Politicians.
Conclusion
The death of Nitin Desai has brought attention to the issue
of mental health and financial pressures faced by individuals and businesses,
even in the creative industries. The tragic incident has led to an
investigation and legal action against officials of Edelweiss Group and ECL
Finance for their alleged involvement in abetting the suicide. As the case progresses,
it serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, support, and mental
health awareness in every sector of society.
A set at ND Studios. Image credit: Wikipedia
You may need to know
1. Who was Nitin Desai?
Nitin Desai was a highly respected art director known for
his exceptional work in acclaimed Bollywood films like "Lagaan" and
"Jodhaa Akbar."
2. What problems were Nitin Desai Facing?
Nitin Desai faced mental harassment due to the financial
troubles his company was going through, leading to a default on loan repayments.
3. Who filed the complaint against Edelweiss Group and ECL Finance?
Nitin Desai's wife, Neha Desai, filed the complaint against
the officials of Edelweiss Group and ECL Finance, accusing them of abetment of
suicide.
4. What sections of the Indian Penal Code were invoked in the FIR?
The FIR was registered under sections 306 (abetment of
suicide) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.
5. How did the industry react to Nitin Desai's demise?
The industry was deeply saddened by the loss of the talented
art director, and his last rites were attended by family members, friends, and
colleagues in the film and art community.
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