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The ongoing dispute within the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) escalated on Friday after a heated confrontation broke out at the association’s Mumbai office involving actors Poonam Dhillon, Upasana Singh, Padmini Kolhapure and others. The police had to intervene after the situation became tense.

Videos of the incident surfaced on social media, showing several CINTAA members arguing at the association’s office. Police officers were seen trying to control the situation and asking the actors to maintain calm.

The latest confrontation reportedly revolves around allegations that former CINTAA office-bearers Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure attempted to remove documents and other belongings from the association’s premises.

Upasana Singh alleges documents were being removed

According to Upasana Singh, she was alerted about the situation by another actor who noticed Poonam and Padmini at the CINTAA office. She said she immediately reached the premises and called the police.

Upasana alleged that documents were being taken out of the office in a tempo. She also claimed that a CINTAA member had earlier raised concerns about alleged irregularities in certain documents and had called for a forensic investigation.

The actor further alleged that Poonam and Padmini were no longer authorised to enter the CINTAA premises after the elections were approved. She described the alleged removal of documents as an “illegal” move and said a police complaint had been filed at the Versova police station.

Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure have denied the allegations against them.

Police intervene during CINTAA clash

Videos circulating online show Upasana Singh and actress Priti Sapru speaking to a police officer and asking for papers to be returned. Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure were also seen at the spot during the confrontation.

The police intervened as the argument escalated and reportedly reprimanded those involved, urging them to maintain their dignity and avoid creating a scene at the office.

CINTAA row escalates ahead of elections

The latest incident comes amid a prolonged internal dispute within CINTAA. The crisis intensified in August after 11 Executive Committee members, including eight elected members, resigned over concerns about the association’s functioning and alleged unilateral decision-making.

Upasana Singh and other dissenting members had accused Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure of undemocratic functioning. The allegations have been rejected by Dhillon and Kolhapure.

The dispute subsequently led to a controversy over fresh CINTAA elections. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced elections for September 12. Dhillon and Kolhapure challenged the election process in court.

On September 9, the court allowed the elections to proceed, with the outcome subject to the result of the ongoing legal proceedings.

With the internal dispute continuing to intensify, the latest confrontation has added another twist to the ongoing CINTAA controversy.