Filmmaker Arghya Basu, named in #MeToo movement, commits suicide
What's the story
Arghya Basu, a documentary filmmaker, and editor, allegedly committed suicide at his flat in Santoshpur, Kolkata, police said on Monday.
The police rescued him and were taking him to the hospital when he succumbed to injuries. The post-mortem report suggested hanging as the cause of his death.
Basu's family said he was suffering from depression after he was accused of sexual harassment.
Here's more.
Details
Septuagenarian mother sought help after being unable to contact Basu
Basu lived with his mother at their home in Ekdalia and often visited his flat in Santoshpur.
After his mother was unable to reach him over the phone, she informed Basu's close friend, Ankur Das, and others for help.
Das also couldn't establish contact with Basu and subsequently informed the police.
Police swung to action but failed to save Basu's life.
Information
Who was Arghya Basu?
Basu was a documentary filmmaker from Kolkata, who also worked as an editor, cinematographer and an actor. He completed his graduation from St Xavier's College, Kolkata, where he served as HoD of Mass Communication and Videography. He was also a faculty at FTII, Pune.
Report
No suicide note was found from the scene
The cops reached his Santoshpur flat and had to break in after they got no response.
They rushed him to MR Bangur Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. The police suspected suicide after they got the post-mortem report.
However, the police did not find any suicide note from his flat. They have sealed the place for further investigation.
Controversy
Family and friends say he was in depression
The former FTII faculty was accused of sexual harassment back in 2017. According to family and friends, he went into depression after the accusation.
Das said that Basu was going through counseling for a month now and was working on a few projects with him as a freelancer.
Basu was also planning to launch his own venture with Das.
Twitter Post
#MeToo crusader shares her thoughts on Basu's demise
My deepest sympathies to Arghya Basu's loved ones. It distresses me and I'm sure others working towards safer workplaces when such a thing happens. I think about all the consequences that arise out of something like this and how defeating it is all around - for men and women.
— Sandhya Menon (@TheRestlessQuil) March 5, 2019