In connection with the death of stuntman SM Raju on a movie set, the Keelaiyur police have arrested director Pa Ranjith and three other people. According to The Hindu, the director and three others have been charged with culpable homicide, negligent behavior, and aiding an offense.

Pa Ranjith Charged with the Death of Stuntman SM Raju

During the production of a film starring Arya in the Nagapattinam area, Raju passed away while doing a stunt on Ranjith's set. The occurrence happened on Sunday and was planned by Neelam Productions. Initially, Ranjith, stunt choreographer Rajkamal, Neelam Productions, and Prabhakaran were charged under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act.

Raju was taken to the Nagapattinam Government Medical College Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Following a postmortem, his body has been turned over to the family. The police have now altered the charges against the film's crew in light of the evidence, charging them with violating Sections 289 (Negligent behavior), 125 (Abetment of an offense), and 106(1) (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the BNS Act.

Raju's passing is mourned by Vishal and Prithviraj Sukumaran

Prithviraj Sukumaran lamented Raju's passing in his Instagram stories on Monday. "Rest in peace Raju!" he wrote. "So many magical moments that would have been impossible to capture without your talent and courage." You will be missed forever.

The death of the stuntman was also lamented by Vishal, who wrote on X (previously Twitter), "So hard to accept the fact that stunt artist Raju died this morning while performing a car toppling sequence for Jammy (@arya_offl) and @beemji Ranjith's picture." Raju has done numerous dangerous exploits in my movies throughout the years that I have known him. He was such a courageous individual. Offering my heartfelt condolences and hoping that his soul finds peace, I vowed to support his family.

On Instagram, stunt choreographer Silva posted the following lament: "S M Raju, one of our great car jumping stunt artist, died today while doing car stunts." His absence will be felt in the Indian film industry and in our stunt union.

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