Producer-Director Ashwini Dhir arrested

In a shocking development, we have just learnt that Ashwini Dhir, producer of well-known shows like Chidiya Ghar and Lapataganj (Garima Productions) on SAB TV and director of films like Son of Sardaar and Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge has been arrested. Police apparently swooped down on the producer while he was shooting at Filmcity and took him immediately into custody. It emerges that an episode telecast on Lapataganj on Rishi Valmiki, two years back is what has allegedly landed the producer in trouble right now. Informs our highly placed source, “A story was telecast two years ago on Rishi Valmiki which hurt the sentiments of a community who are a part the Valmiki Samaj in Ludhiana. The show joked about their God and their beliefs following which Ashwini was sent a number of legal notices by them. With no response from his end, the cops from Ludhiana came down to Mumbai on 29 July and arrested him from Filmcity.” Ashwini has apparently been booked under section 295 (A) of the IPC which relates to injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult religion or class. From what we hear, Ashwini was initially produced in the Bandra court on 29 July where the Punjab police obtained permission to take the renowned producer to Ludhiana to be tried. Adds our source, “Ashwini is currently behind bars in a prison in Ludhiana district. Ashwini pressed for his bail yesterday at a hearing but his plea was rejected.” It is also believed that apart from Ashwini, 10 to 12 other members from the cast and crew have also been charged. However, as per reports last received, the cops are yet to arrest them. We tried reaching Ashwini for a comment but his mobile phone remained unavailable. Tellychakkar.com will keep you posted on the latest developments.