Kolkata (PTI): Sreela Majumdar, a favourite actor of serious filmmakers such as Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal and Prakash Jha, died at her Kolkata residence on Saturday, her family said.

Majumdar, who was suffering from cancer for the past three years, was 65. She left behind her husband and son.

Condoling her death, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Sreela was a powerful actor who played outstanding roles in several significant Indian films.

"It is a big loss for Bengal film industry and we shall miss her stellar presence. My condolences to her family," Banerjee said.

Majumdar's portrayal of characters in Mrinal Sen's Ekdin Pratidin' (And Quiet Rolls the Dawn, 1980), Kharij' (The Case is Closed, 1982) and Akaler Sandhane' (In Search of Famine; 1981), have been critically acclaimed.

She acted in crucial roles in Shyam Benegal's Mandi' (Market Place, 1983), Prakash Jha's Damul' (Bonded Until Death, 1985) and Utpalendu Chakraborty's Chokh' (Eye, 1983).

Her last film Palan' by Kaushik Ganguly, a sequel of Ekdin Pratidin', was also acclaimed widely last year.

She worked in altogether 43 films.

Majumdar was also known for her sensitive voice dubbing for Aishwarya Rai in the film Chokher Bali' (A Passion Play, 2003) by Rituparno Ghosh.

Condoling her death, the industry's younger colleague Rituparna Sengupta said, "She had delivered so many memorable performances under the direction of filmmakers like Mrinal Sen and others. She could have been utilised more by the industry."

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Mangaluru: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has said that the allegations against Moodbidri Police Inspector Sandesha PG of sexually harassing a complainant are malicious, and stated that disciplinary action has been taken against the officer in this regard.

The preliminary investigation report filed by the officer handling the case, Mangaluru Urban Sub-division ACP Shrikanth, shows the charges by Sumathi Nayak and Avitha Menezes that Sandesha had demanded sexual favours from them were false. The report also states that there is no evidence justifying the allegation, the senior officer said.

“The women have admitted the viral video and audio clips to be theirs but added that they had filed no complaint. We have already taken strict action against the inspector considering the intensity of his misbehavior. Legal action will also be taken against those who file false complaint out of personal enmity,” the Police Commissioner has warned.

In addition, he said, “The Police Department has protection of and respectful behavior towards women who come to police stations as it primary duty. This incident is a lesson for the Department and precautions will be taken to prevent repetition of such behavior by policemen.”