While Raj fights for his life, the firm's Founder-CEO Sanjay Shah (56) was killed in the freak accident at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.
Published Jan 20, 2024 | 8:48 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 20, 2024 | 8:48 PM
Vistex Asia Pacific president Vishwanath Raj. (Supplied)
The health condition of Vistex Asia Pacific president Vishwanath Raj aka Raju Datla continues to be critical on Saturday, 20 January, two days after the firm’s Founder-CEO Sanjay Shah (56) was killed in a freak accident at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.
Both men were in an iron cage with a metal platform and wooden railings, which was lifted up by a crane. While the cage was being lowered on to the stage, the 6 mm cable holding it up snapped on one side, throwing both men onto the concrete below.
Though the injured duo was rushed to a hospital, Shah’s life could not be saved. Yashoda Hospital at Malakpet stated that the condition of 52-year-old Datla was critical.
Meanwhile, the police inspected the accident site at Ramoji Film City and collected evidence.
“The rope that was used to lift the two officials and other equipment was sent to the Research and Development wing of the Telangana government to identify any possible negligence or damage,” Sector-I Sub Inspector of Police K Venkat Ram Reddy told South First.
The police initially registered an FIR under Sections 336 (act rashly or negligently as to endanger human life), and 287 (negligent conduct concerning machinery), read with Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It was later altered to include Section 304 A (causing death by negligence) after Shah’s death.
Vistex’s Executive Director Janakiram Raju Kalidindi refused to comment. “We are not in a condition to respond to any questions,” he said.
Ramoji Film City management remains unapproachable.
On Thursday, 18 January, Vistex Asia Pacific Private Ltd was celebrating its Silver Jubilee at Hyderabad’s largest film studio complex, Ramoji Film City.
The company had planned to organise the celebrations over two days, 18 and 19 January.
Around 680 employees of the firm had gathered at the Lime Light Garden when the accident occurred at around 7:40 pm.
Vistex, a multinational software company, has 20 offices across the globe and 2,000 plus employees, according to its website.
