Allow us to grieve in dignity: Priyanka Sarkar says in her first statement since Rahul Arunoday Banerjee's death

In her Instagram page, Priyanka said: "This is a time of immense grief and deep despair for us. In this difficult moment, we sincerely request space and privacy."

"There is a child, a mother, a family, and loved ones trying to navigate this loss together. We kindly urge our friends and colleagues in the media to respect our boundaries, refrain from intrusion, and allow us the dignity to grieve in peace. Your understanding and support mean more than ever at this time," she said.

Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, who had become a household name following the success of his Tollywood debut movie 'Chirodini Tumi Je Amar', died after drowning during a shoot in Talsari, a coastal location near Digha. He was 43.

According to reports, the actor had travelled to Talsari for the filming of a television serial when the incident occurred.

Crew members and technicians rushed to rescue him after noticing he was in distress in the water, but he could not be revived.

He was filming for the serial “Bhole Baba Par Karega” at the time of the incident, as reported by Anandabazar Patrika.

Actor Bhaskar Banerjee, who played Rahul Banerjee’s on-screen uncle in the serial, told the newspaper, “He died by drowning. It is a tragic incident. The event occurred after the pack-up; however, exactly how it happened is not yet clear.”

Born in 1983, Rahul Banerjee made his Tollywood debut with Chirodini Tumi Je Amar (2008), which brought him widespread recognition.

(Image courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS)