More than two-and-a-half months after Rahul Arunoday Banerjee drowned while shooting for Bhole Baba Paar Karega at Odisha’s Talsari beach, the investigation into his death has gained fresh momentum. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has now directed the Odisha government to look into the matter, following calls for a deeper probe into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
PMO Acts on AICWA Complaint
The intervention follows a complaint by the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) to the PMO, seeking a thorough investigation and action against those allegedly responsible for the incident. AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta filed the grievance through the government’s public grievance redressal system. The PMO has since forwarded the matter to the Odisha government, including the Chief Minister’s Office and Chief Secretary, for urgent action. Odisha authorities have reportedly asked the Balasore Superintendent of Police to review the case, with sources indicating the probe may now be handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Earlier this month, actress Priyanka Sarkar spoke to CT and sought justice for Rahul.
Safety Under Scrutiny
The complaint names producer duo Leena Gangopadhyay and Saibal Banerjee, the production house and others associated with the shoot. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has sought criminal action, alleging the case goes beyond negligence, along with stricter accountability and stronger safety measures in the entertainment industry. It has also demanded ₹1 crore compensation for Rahul’s family and blacklisting of the production house, though no decision has been announced on these demands so far.
Probe Gains Pace
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee lost his life on March 29 while filming a sequence at Talsari Beach. According to reports, he and co-actor Sweta Mishra were shooting in knee-deep water when they slipped into a deep ditch. While Mishra managed to escape, Rahul was swept away by strong currents. Despite efforts by the production team to rescue them and rush him for immediate medical treatment at the earliest, he could not be saved. The incident triggered widespread concern within the entertainment industry in Tollywood, with many questioning safety arrangements and risk assessment at the shooting location. With the PMO now stepping in, the case is expected to gather pace as authorities re-examine whether any lapses contributed to the incident.
