West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed profound shock and grief over the sudden and tragic passing of popular Tollywood actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee. The actor drowned on Sunday evening while bathing in the sea at Digha. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was declared dead by the doctors. As the news reached the state capital, the Chief Minister issued a heartfelt condolence message, remembering Rahul as a talented artist and a fine human being.

In her message, Mamata Banerjee stated, “Rahul was a very favorite actor and person of mine. I am unable to process how this tragedy occurred so suddenly.” She further added that Rahul’s contribution to Bengali cinema, especially since his breakout role in ‘Chirodini Tumi Je Amar’, has been remarkable, and his untimely departure is an irreparable loss to the cultural world. The CM also extended her deepest sympathies to Rahul’s wife, actress Priyanka Sarkar, and their young son.

The state government has assured all necessary assistance to the family in bringing the actor’s mortal remains back to Kolkata for the last rites. Several cabinet ministers and political leaders have joined the CM in mourning the loss of the 42-year-old actor. Known for his intellectual depth and strong political views, Rahul’s death has created a void across various sectors of Bengal. The post-mortem is scheduled for Monday morning, following which his body will be transported to his Kolkata residence.