Mumbai, April 6, 2025: An era in Indian television came to a dramatic end this weekend as Sony TV officially confirmed the death of ACP Pradyuman, the legendary character from the long-running crime series CID. The announcement has triggered a wave of grief and anger among fans, many of whom have grown up watching the iconic police officer unravel mysteries on screen for over two decades.
Portrayed by veteran actor Shivaji Satam since the show’s inception in 1998, ACP Pradyuman was reportedly killed in a recent episode during a high-stakes encounter with the criminal Barboza, played by Tigmanshu Dhulia. Although the death scene was not shown explicitly, Sony TV made the character’s demise official through a solemn post on social media late Saturday.
The post featured a tribute image of the beloved character with the caption:
“In loving memory of ACP Pradyuman… A loss that will never be forgotten. End of an era. ACP Pradyuman (1998–2025).”
The confirmation sent shockwaves across social media, with fans reacting emotionally and, in many cases, angrily.
“This isn’t just the end of a character—it’s the death of a legacy,” one user wrote. “RIP not just to ACP Pradyuman, but to CID and Sony TV for ending it this way.”
ACP Pradyuman became a household name over the years, known for his commanding presence, sharp investigative instincts, and the unforgettable catchphrase, “Kuch to gadbad hai.” His character defined the tone and legacy of CID, one of India’s longest-running and most beloved crime thrillers.
While many fans expressed heartbreak over the character’s exit, others refused to accept the finality of the announcement. The ambiguity of the episode’s ending—where ACP Pradyuman is presumed dead in an explosion but not shown—has left room for speculation.
“He’s not dead. He will return. This is just a plot twist,” one hopeful fan insisted.
Adding further intrigue to the unfolding drama, Shivaji Satam himself appeared unaware of his character’s scripted death. Speaking to Bombay Times, he said,
“I have no clue about this. I’ve taken a break for some time, and the makers know what lies ahead for the show. If my track is over, I’m okay with it. However, I have not been told whether my track is over or not.”
Satam also revealed that he is currently on holiday and has not received any updates about future filming.
Whether ACP Pradyuman’s end is permanent or part of a larger narrative twist remains to be seen. But for now, fans are mourning the loss of a television legend whose presence defined an entire genre of Indian crime drama.
