The makers of Bengali TV series Bhole Baba Par Karega have released a statement after the tragic death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, expressing grief and ensuring a transparent investigation into the incident.Banerjee, 43, died on March 29 after allegedly drowning in a shootout at Talsari Beach in Odisha’s Baleswar district.According to PTI, in its statement, the production house said, “All cast and crew members are in deep mourning.”As they added, “we ask for a few days to collect the accounts of the actors and groups that were present at the time of the tragedy, in a neutral and structured way, in order to be able to present a comprehensive and detailed report”.Likewise, the producers extended an invitation to the actor’s family and industry organizations to participate in the questioning process.“We would welcome a representative nominated by the actor’s family, friends or the West Bengal Film Artists Forum to observe the process and ensure fairness,” the statement said.
“They were rescued alive…reports are probably wrong”
Addressing the sequence of events, officials shared preliminary findings while addressing some media claims.“Initial information suggests that Rahul survived the water and was trying to communicate,” they said.“He was first taken to a clinic near Talsari where no doctor was available, and then taken to Digha General Hospital where he was declared brought dead.”Refuting some reports, the statement added, “Claims that the actor was underwater for a long time are probably incorrect.”
“The possibility of negligence will not go unexamined”
The production house emphasized that all aspects of the incident will be thoroughly investigated.“All permits, communications with authorities and relevant documents will be provided as part of the ongoing investigation,” they said.“The possibility of negligence, however small, will not go unexamined.”It is further stated that director Saibal Banerjee, who was in Mumbai at the time, rushed to Kolkata on hearing the news and visited the actor’s residence the same night.Describing Rahul as “not only our colleague but also our friend”, officials said they remain committed to full cooperation with the authorities and will share footage and official records of the shooting with the family, subject to necessary clearances.
The forum raises concerns about security measures
Meanwhile, West Bengal Film Artists Forum has expressed concern over the incident.“It is important to understand what happened during the filming and whether adequate security measures were in place,” the forum said in its statement.The body added that it is following developments closely and expects a thorough and impartial investigation, stressing that the safety and security of artists at filming locations must remain a top priority.Banerjee’s death has sent ripples through the Bengali entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of the actor, who is survived by his wife. Priyanka Sarkarand their son.
