Television actors Puja Banerjee and her husband Kunal Verma have been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, following the registration of an FIR by Goa Police for the alleged abduction and extortion of prominent Bengali filmmaker Shyam Sunder Dey. The case, which has sent ripples through the entertainment world, was initially lodged on June 12 at Panache Police Station in Kolkata by Dey’s wife, Malabika, and later transferred to Calangute Police in North Goa, where the alleged events reportedly took place.
According to the FIR, the actor couple—along with businessman Piyush Kothari and several unidentified associates—have been charged with kidnapping, assault, and extortion. On May 31, Dey was in Goa for a scriptwriting assignment, accompanied by his assistant in a rented car. The complaint states that a black SUV intercepted their vehicle, after which Dey was forcibly abducted by a group that included Banerjee and Kothari. He was allegedly taken to an undisclosed location and physically assaulted.
Malabika Dey noted in her statement that her husband shared a close, almost familial bond with Banerjee and Verma. The actors had previously expressed interest in funding one of Dey’s film ventures, and as a filmmaker with over 50 projects to his credit, Dey often engaged with potential investors—possibly making him vulnerable to manipulation.
The FIR further alleges that while in unlawful confinement, the accused seized Dey’s mobile phones, forcibly accessed his private data and passwords, and used them as leverage. Dey was reportedly threatened with being falsely implicated in a narcotics case unless he paid ₹64 lakh. Under severe psychological pressure, he allegedly transferred ₹23 lakh to the accused between May 31 and June 3.
Following this, the complaint claims Dey was taken to his hotel briefly before being moved to a private villa on June 1, where the harassment and coercion continued.
Goa Police have asked Shyam Sunder Dey to present himself for a formal statement as part of the ongoing investigation. “We have requested Mr. Dey to appear before the investigating officer at the earliest,” said a police official.
Authorities are expected to summon Banerjee, Verma, Kothari, and other individuals named in the FIR. As the investigation unfolds, more details are likely to emerge regarding the alleged criminal conspiracy and the nature of the financial dispute.
The case has generated intense media scrutiny due to the involvement of well-known television celebrities. Industry insiders have expressed shock over the gravity of the allegations, with some calling for a transparent investigation. Legal experts suggest that if the charges are substantiated, the consequences could be career-defining for the accused.
As the probe deepens, the case serves as a cautionary tale about how personal and professional relationships in high-stakes industries like entertainment can spiral into serious legal conflict. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the unfolding investigation and the truth behind a story that has stunned the entertainment community.