The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police will investigate the death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, who died allegedly from drowning at Talsari near the border with Odisha on March 29 while shooting a TV series.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced this after chairing an administrative review meeting in Digha in Purba Medinipur district on Sunday.

Rahul, 42, had allegedly ventured into the sea alone after wrapping up a shoot when a wave drowned him in front of his production unit members.

The autopsy found that the actor died of suffocation resulting from getting trapped underwater, which caused a large amount of saline water and sand to enter his lungs and esophagus.

His family later filed a case of unnatural death. A section of the Tollygunge film industry and Rahul’s family have been demanding an investigation into his death after allegations surfaced regarding inconsistencies in the statements provided by the production crew, alongside reports that the shoot had been conducted without proper administrative or local police permissions.

“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 said, adding it is being done on the family’s request.

Meanwhile, the CM also announced to increase the number of sea guards in the coastal areas, including Digha. At present, the CM said there are only 63 sea guards. He also promised to increase the amount of remuneration given to the sea guards.