In the wake of Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee’s tragic death nearly ten days ago, two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed, prompting an inter-state investigation and a unified demand for justice from the entertainment sector. Industry professionals are advocating for a thorough investigation and a significant revision of safety protocols on film sets.
Banerjee lost his life due to drowning while filming the television series “Bholey Baba Par Karega” at Talsari beach near Digha on March 29. Officials stated that his autopsy revealed his lungs were nearly double their typical size, indicating he had been submerged for an extended period.
Last week, the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists’ Forum submitted a formal complaint against the production company Magic Moments Motion Pictures Pvt Ltd at the Regent Park Police station in Kolkata. This was followed by a separate complaint from Banerjee’s wife, actress Priyanka Sarkar, which was filed with the Talsari Police. Both FIRs targeted the production house and named key individuals, including writer and producer Leena Gangopadhyay, director Saibal Banerjee, and others such as Subhashis Mondal, Shantanu Nandy, and Chandra Shekhar Chakraborty.
The complaint lodged with Kolkata Police accused the production house of negligence during the filming process. In contrast, Sarkar’s complaint to the Odisha Police pointed out that the producers operated without proper shooting permits and selected a hazardous location. She further claimed that local residents had warned the production team about the unsafe conditions, which they ignored by proceeding without sufficient safety precautions.
The Odisha Police have initiated a case citing several sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 106(1) for death by negligence and Section 240 for providing false statements, along with Section 3(5) concerning joint liability for a crime committed by multiple individuals with a shared intent.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Odisha Police have requested photographic and video evidence from the West Bengal Police that was taken during the shoot.
In response to the incident, members of the entertainment industry have proposed new safety measures and are working towards establishing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the next 15 to 30 days. Additionally, new insurance policies are being created to provide coverage for both cast and crew members.
Industry professionals have also called for a boycott of the production companies involved, including Magic Moments Motion Pictures Pvt Ltd and Magic Moments Motion Pictures and Organic Studios Pvt Ltd, owned by Leena Gangopadhyay’s son, Arka Gangopadhyay, until the situation is adequately addressed.
The incident has drawn significant attention from political figures and seasoned professionals in the industry, many of whom have questioned the decision to halt all production work.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh expressed his sorrow over Banerjee’s death, emphasizing the need for accountability if negligence is proven. He acknowledged the industry’s demand for justice while also highlighting the importance of safety for all performers, including stunt actors, and cautioned against politicizing the tragic event.
Actor Sreelekha Mitra raised concerns about the impact of the strike on daily-wage technicians, who are particularly vulnerable during production halts. She criticized the Forum’s decision to strike, urging consideration for those who earn a living on minimal wages and calling for a more profound discussion on ongoing issues within the industry.
Mitigating her statements, she said, “While Rahul’s death is indeed a tragedy, it is essential to remember the technicians who face financial insecurity when work is suspended. There are various agendas at play, and the lines between genuine concern and personal interest can often become blurred.”
According to reliable sources, the boycott initiated by the Forum is not restricted to West Bengal. Vice President Prosenjit Chatterjee has indicated that the organization is reaching out to national entities in the Hindi film industry to suspend operations of the two production houses across India.
“Currently, all activities in Bengal have been halted. We urge everyone to be patient as the Forum formulates further actions. Bengali actors and technicians are no longer willing to compromise their safety for these productions,” a source indicated.
Prosenjit Chatterjee revealed that a letter was sent to the production company on April 1, seeking clarification on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Although a response was received the following day, it was deemed unsatisfactory. Until the truth emerges, there is a collective agreement to cease collaboration with the implicated production houses.
Attempts to reach Leena Gangopadhyay for comment were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages.
Sweety Kumari is an experienced journalist based in West Bengal, reporting for The Indian Express, with over a decade of experience in the field.
