• Source:JND
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The tragic demise of renowned stuntman SM Raju has shocked everyone. He lost his life while performing a high-risk car stunt on the set of the upcoming Tamil film Vettuvam, directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Arya. This tragic incident occurred on July 13 during the filming of a dangerous car sequence in the movie. The news of his death was confirmed by Tamil actor Vishal. Now, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has demanded an FIR against producer PA Ranjith. A video of the incident is going viral on social media, leaving fans saddened.

The visuals of the accident have surfaced online, showing Raju driving a car at high speed. The vehicle was supposed to launch off a ramp, but it lost balance mid-air and crumpled to the ground, causing panic and horror among the crew. Team members were seen rushing towards the car and pulling Raju out, only to discover that he had died.

On July 14, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) issued a statement on X after this horrific incident on the sets of Vettuvam. The post read, "Despite the industry’s repeated wake-up calls, producers continue to compromise the lives of technicians and workers by cutting down on essential safety protocols to reduce production costs. The Vettuvam incident is yet another painful example of gross negligence and criminal disregard for human life. The case is currently being investigated by the Keelaiyur Police Station in Tamil Nadu."

Condemning this tragic incident, Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, President of AICWA, has urged Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M. K. Stalin, to take strict action. The demand of the association includes Immediate registration of an FIR against producer Pa. Ranjith, all co-producers, and Neelam Productions under relevant sections for criminal negligence leading to death. A compensation of Rs 1 Crore to be paid to the family of the deceased stuntman Mohanraj by the producers. A state-wide investigation and audit of all film shooting sets across Tamil Nadu, to identify unsafe sets and take strict action against producers who fail to follow safety norms.

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Vishal Confirms Demise Of Stuntman Raju

Actor Vishal took to his X handle on Sunday and paid tribute to Raju, with whom he has worked in several action films. His post read, “So difficult to digest the fact that stunt artist Raju passed away while doing a car toppling sequence for jammy @arya_offl and @beemji Ranjith’s film this morning. I have known Raju for so many years and he has performed so many risky stunts in my films time and time again as he is such a brave person."

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He added, "My deepest condolences and may his soul rest in peace. May God give more strength to his family for their grave loss. Not just this tweet but will definitely be there for his family’s future, being from the same film industry and also for his contribution to so many films. From the bottom of my heart and as my duty I extend my support for them. God bless."

Raju had made a name for himself in Kollywood over the years for executing some of the most challenging and high-risk stunts in Tamil cinema. His talent has earned him an immense reputation.