The CID is investigating the death of Bengali actor Rahul Arunodoy Bandyopadhyay

Rahul Arunoday Banerjee | Photo credit: Rahul Arunoday Banerjee/Facebook

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday (June 15, 2026) announced that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police will take over the investigation into the mysterious death of popular Bengali actor Rahul Arunodoy Bandyopadhyay at Talsari Beach in Odisha on March 29.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Adhikari said, “A film actor died mysteriously while shooting in Talsari a few days ago. His family members have insisted on an investigation into the matter and have also lodged an FIR. The case will now be handed over to the CID.”

The 42-year-old actor died while shooting for the TV series Bhole Baba Par Karega at Talsari Beach. He is said to have entered the water at Talsari just as the tide came in and was prima facie swept away just then. The technicians then pulled him out of the water. Preliminary reports indicated that his death was caused by drowning. He was reportedly taken to a hospital in Digha in East Midnapore district where he was declared brought dead.

Lack of security measures

Following the development, the artiste and his co-stars expressed concern over the lack of safety measures while filming in the sea, while many also claimed that the production team did not have permission to shoot on location.

Mr. Bandyopadhyay’s co-artists went on strike for several days demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the case. Later though they decided to boycott the production company involved in the matter.

Mr. Bandyopadhyay’s wife Priyanka Sarkar also filed an FIR for unnatural death following which the Odisha Police formed an SIT to investigate the matter.

Production company boss Leena Gangopadhyay, a close confidante of former chief minister Mamata Banerjee and chairperson of the West Bengal Commission for Women, resigned from the post after the controversy surrounding the actor’s death emerged.

Published – 15 June 2026 10:30 PM IST