Kolkata, Apr 1 (PTI) The producers of Bengali television serial ‘Bhole Baba Par Karega’ on Wednesday expressed grief over the death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee and said they would welcome a representative from his family or industry bodies to join the inquiry into the incident.
Banerjee (43) died on March 29 after allegedly drowning during a shoot at Talsari beach in Odisha’s Baleswar district, near the West Bengal border.
He is survived by his 13-year-old son and actor-wife Priyanka Sarkar.
In a statement, the production house said all members of the cast and crew were “in profound mourning”, and efforts were underway to speak to those present during the incident to ascertain the sequence of events.
“We request a few days to gather accounts of the cast and crew present at the time of the tragedy, in a neutral and structured manner, so that we can present a comprehensive and accurate report,” it said.
The producers added that they would welcome a representative nominated by the actor’s family, friends or the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists’ Forum to observe the process and ensure fairness.
Addressing the sequence of events, the statement said preliminary information suggested that Banerjee was rescued alive from the water and was attempting to communicate. He was first taken to a nearby clinic at Talsari where no doctor was available, and was later shifted to Digha State General Hospital, where he was declared dead.
The company also sought to counter speculation in sections of the media, particularly claims that the actor remained underwater for an extended period, stating that such reports are “in all probability incorrect”.
It further said all permissions, communications with authorities and relevant documents would be furnished as part of the ongoing investigation, and asserted that “no possibility of negligence, however small, will go unexamined”.
The statement by the production house claimed director Saibal Banerjee, who was in Mumbai at the time of the incident, rushed to Kolkata upon receiving the news and visited the actor’s residence the same night.
Describing Banerjee as “not only our colleague but also our friend”, the production house said it remains committed to full cooperation with authorities and to ensuring transparency, including sharing shooting footage and official records with the family, subject to necessary permissions.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal Motion Pictures Artists’ Forum expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement, the forum stressed the need “to understand what exactly transpired during the shoot and whether proper safety measures were in place.” The forum added that it is closely monitoring developments and expects a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
It also highlighted that ensuring the safety and security of artists on shooting locations is of utmost importance.
Banerjee’s death has sent shockwaves across the Bengali entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of the 43-year-old actor.
Some have raised concerns over inconsistencies in earlier statements by those present during the shoot and the alleged lack of safety measures.
The post-mortem examination of the 43-year-old actor was conducted at Tamralipta Medical College and Hospital, while investigators from Purba Medinipur district police are investigating the incident with support from their Odisha counterparts. PTI SUS MNB
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