The sudden demise of popular Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee on Sunday has left the industry in shock. The preliminary autopsy report, released on Monday, reveals the agonizing final moments of the actor. According to forensic experts, Rahul’s lungs had swollen to nearly double their size due to the intake of excessive seawater and sand particles.

The report confirms that the cause of death was “Asphyxia resulting from drowning.” Doctors found significant amounts of silt and saltwater deep within his respiratory tract and lungs, indicating that he struggled to breathe while submerged. Co-stars mentioned that Rahul might have gotten entangled in something underwater at Talsari beach while filming for a new serial. Rahul, survived by his wife Priyanka Sarkar and son Shohoj, was the face of the blockbuster Chirodini Tumi Je Amar. His untimely passing has sparked a wave of mourning across West Bengal, with fans and colleagues paying their final respects in Kolkata today.