More than two-and-a-half months after actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee drowned during a film shoot at Odisha’s Talsari Beach, the case has gained fresh momentum. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced the investigation has been handed to the CID, while the Odisha Government has already constituted an SIT (Special Investigation Team). Rahul died on March 29 while shooting for Bhole Baba Paar Karega, after he and co-actor Sweta Mishra slipped into a deep ditch while filming in knee-deep water. Rahul was swept away by strong currents, and the case was initially registered as an unnatural death.
What Comes Next
With both an SIT in Odisha and the CID in West Bengal now involved, investigators are expected to revisit the circumstances of the incident, including possible safety lapses and risk assessment failures. Talking about this, actor-MLA and a close associate of Rahul, Rudranil Ghosh, said, “The family, friends and colleagues had been seeking clarity on what really happened, and this step brings hope that the truth will emerge. It is not just about one person — it reflects the respect and importance that West Bengal accords to its artistes and the fraternity.”
How the Probe Escalated
The probe intensified after the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) filed a complaint with the Prime Minister’s Office, prompting it to direct the Odisha government to investigate. The complaint, filed by AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, names producers Leena Gangopadhyay and Shaibal Banerjee, among others, and seeks criminal action, alleging the matter goes beyond negligence. Odisha authorities asked the Balasore Superintendent of Police to review the case, leading to the formation of the SIT. Rahul’s family’s demand for a comprehensive inquiry also prompted the West Bengal government to act. The CM said he has instructed the Superintendent of Police of Purba Medinipur to send the case file through the DGP to the Home Secretary to facilitate the CID probe.
“Like everyone in the fraternity, I’m happy the CM has ordered a CID probe. He assured that the investigation would uncover the truth,” Rudranil Ghosh added.
