Kolkata-based actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee has died following a tragic accident while filming for the television serial ‘Bhole Baba Par Karega’ at Talsari beach in Digha. The incident occurred on the evening of March 29. Rahul was taken to Tamluk Medical College Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death. Video footage from multiple cameras on set, along with eyewitness accounts from crew members, are now central to reconstructing the events leading to the accident.
Initial findings indicate that a scene involving Rahul and co-star Shweta was being filmed in ankle-deep water near the shore. Both actors reportedly moved further into the sea than initially planned, with rising tides creating unsafe conditions.
There are conflicting accounts of the sequence. Some reports suggest Rahul fell while attempting to assist Shweta after she lost her balance. Other sources claim he advanced beyond the designated area despite repeated warnings from the crew.
Rescue efforts were immediately initiated by technicians and nearby boat operators, but it took significant time to bring him ashore. Rahul was reportedly alive when removed from the water but died en route to the hospital.
Director Subhasish Mandal explained that the scene was intended for shallow water only. He said that despite repeated cautions, Rahul moved into waist-deep water while still holding his co-star’s hand, at which point he lost his balance. Executive producer Shantanu Nandi added that a drone shot was being filmed in ankle-deep water when Banerjee moved beyond the safe area. The rescue operation reportedly lasted about two hours.
Actor Diganta Bagchi, speaking on behalf of the West Bengal Artist Forum, suggested that Rahul may have entered the water after filming, either due to limited swimming ability or by becoming trapped. Producer Leena Gangopadhyay stated that no scene involved deep water and questioned why Banerjee went into the sea after shooting had concluded.
The initial autopsy report from Tamluk Medical College Hospital revealed that Banerjee had been submerged for an extended period, likely exceeding one hour.
Medical examiners found large amounts of sand and salt water in his lungs, as well as in his trachea, oesophagus and stomach. The autopsy report further indicated that his lungs had swollen to nearly twice their normal size, confirming prolonged submersion.
A case of unnatural death has been registered at Digha police station, with Odisha police also involved in the inquiry. Investigators are examining whether proper safety arrangements were in place on set and if the necessary permissions for the shoot were obtained.
The accident has prompted widespread concern in the Bengali entertainment industry. Several colleagues and prominent artists from Tollygunge’s Studio Para have called for an impartial and thorough investigation.
Actress Sudipta Chakraborty described the loss as unacceptable and demanded accountability, while Rupanjana Mitra urged the West Bengal Motion Pictures Artist Forum to ensure a full police inquiry.
Fans, co-workers and the wider entertainment community continue to mourn Banerjee’s untimely passing, with many calling for stricter on-set safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
