Kolkata: Writer Leena Gangopadhyay has offered to step down as the West Bengal Commission for Women chairperson to avoid any perception of bias that could affect Rahul Banerjee‘s death probe. Banerjee was shooting for ‘Bhole Baba Par Karega’, being produced by Magic Moments Motion Pictures, of which Gangopadhyay is a writer and creative head. The production house said it was ready to share with “Rahul’s family and/or the representative the shooting footage, communication records with police, and acknowledgements to ensure complete transparency”.After questions were raised on the lack of clarity over what exactly led to Rahul’s death, the production house issued a statement on Wednesday, mentioning Gangopadhyay’s willingness to “step down” so that “no perception of bias” affected the probe and she “doesn’t relinquish her responsibilities”.About supposed lack of effort to reach out to the bereaved family, the company said its director and promoter, Saibal Banerjee, visited Rahul’s home. But “the family was not in a position to communicate”. “If they have any specific question, we are more than ready to answer them…” the release stated.It also claimed the speculation of Rahul remaining under water for 40 minutes to one hour was “likely incorrect”. “Our crew said when Rahul was rescued, he was alive and attempting to communicate… efforts were made to expel water from his body. He was taken to a nearby clinic. There was no doctor… he had to be transported to Digha Hospital, where he was declared dead,” it stated.The company requested “another few days” to gather cast and crew’s accounts. Many demanded further clarity. Producer Rana Sarkar said, “Offering to resign and resigning are two different things… the company hasn’t mentioned a word about compensation.” Composer-turned-director Indradip Dasgupta, who had called for a proper probe, told TOI he wanted to “wait and watch”. West Bengal Motion Picture Artists’ Forum wrote to the company, asking why Rahul had to meet such an accident and why it took no step for the cast and crew’s safety.
