Rahul Arunoday Banerjee death case takes new turn as CM Suvendu Adhikari announces CID investigation

The mysterious death of Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee has taken a fresh turn, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police now set to investigate the case.

The actor, 42, reportedly drowned at Talsari, near the Odisha border, on March 29 while filming a television project. The decision was announced after an administrative review meeting held in Digha on Sunday.According to The Indian Express, reports suggest that Rahul had completed the day's shoot and allegedly entered the sea alone. Tragedy struck when a powerful wave swept him underwater in the presence of members of the production team.

The post-mortem examination later concluded that he died due to suffocation after being trapped underwater. Medical findings revealed that a significant quantity of seawater and sand had entered his lungs and oesophagus, leading to fatal complications.

Rahul Arunoday Banerjee's family demands a detailed inquiry

Following the actor’s death, his family registered a case of unnatural death and called for a comprehensive investigation. Their concerns were echoed by several members of the Tollygunge film fraternity, who raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Allegations emerged regarding contradictions in statements made by members of the production crew. Reports also suggested that the shooting schedule may have been carried out without obtaining the necessary permissions from local authorities and police officials.

Chief Minister announces CID probe for Rahul Arunoday Banerjee's death

Addressing the matter, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the Odisha government had already constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the incident.

He further said, “The Odisha government has formed an SIT (Special Investigation Team) to probe the actor’s death. I have instructed the Superintendent of Police of Purba Medinipur district to immediately send the file through the DGP to the state Home Secretary, so that the CID can take over this case.

”The chief minister added that the move was initiated in response to the family's request for a deeper investigation into the circumstances leading to Rahul's death.

Safety measures along the coastline to be strengthened

Apart from the investigation announcement, the chief minister also highlighted plans to improve safety along the state's coastal belt. He noted that only 63 sea guards are currently deployed across the region and assured that their numbers would be increased. In addition, the government is considering a hike in the remuneration provided to sea guards, aiming to strengthen coastal surveillance and prevent similar tragedies in the future.The CID's entry into the case is expected to bring renewed scrutiny to the events of March 29, as investigators seek to determine whether negligence or procedural lapses played any role in the actor's untimely demise.