In a devastating incident during Vistex Asia’s 25th-anniversary celebration, CEO Sanjay Shah lost his life after falling from a ‘paalki’ or palanquin-like contraption during an aerial act. The unfortunate mishap occurred when one of the metal wires supporting the contraption snapped. Sanjay Shah, aged 56 and based in Illinois, USA, met his untimely demise on 18 January evening.
Vistex Asia had arranged a two-day event at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad to mark its silver jubilee. Shah had reserved accommodations for his employees for the grand celebration on January 18 and 19.
Approximately 700 attendees gathered at the venue on Thursday evening to witness the aerial show, a key highlight of the festivities. A specially designed wooden stage, elevated 20 feet above the concrete stage using a crane, became the center of the tragic incident. The act involved a 6 mm iron wire with two layers on both sides. Inspector A Manmohan of Abdullapurmet informed media, “Unfortunately, during the performance, one side of the rope snapped without a warning, and the stage fell on the people below.”
The stage directly impacted Sanjay Shah, the founder and CEO of Vistex Asia, as well as Vishwanath Raj Datla, the company’s president. Both sustained severe injuries and were promptly taken to a nearby private hospital. After initial treatment at Maxi Cure Hospital, they were later transferred to Yashoda Hospital in Malakpet.
Regrettably, Sanjay Shah succumbed to his injuries on Friday morning, while Vishwanath Raj Datla’s condition remains critical.
Following a complaint lodged by Janakiram Raku Kalidindi, the executive director of Vistex Asia, an official complaint has been registered against Usha Kiran Events, the event management authority responsible for overseeing the event at Ramoji Film City.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the business community, leaving Vistex Asia in mourning for the loss of its visionary leader. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident, questions arise regarding event safety protocols and precautions. The untimely demise of Sanjay Shah serves as a poignant reminder of the unforeseen risks associated with large-scale celebrations and events.
