New Delhi: The long-running detective series CID, a fan favourite for decades, is once again making headlines—this time over the dramatic alleged departure of beloved character Dr. Salunkhe. Following earlier speculation about Shivaji Satam’s exit as ACP Pradyuman, a recently released promo hints at a shocking twist involving Narendra Gupta, who has portrayed forensic expert Dr. Salunkhe since 1998.
In a dramatic episode, ACP Pradyuman returned to reveal that a “gaddar” — a traitor — was hiding within the team. The traitorous label was quickly pinned on Dr. Salunkhe, who confessed to feeling unappreciated despite his contributions to solving cases.
Fans Left Disappointed with CID Makers
The sudden villainisation of Dr. Salunkhe triggered an immediate backlash from fans across social media platforms. Many viewers voiced their disappointment with comments like, “CID spoiling our childhood. Dr. Salunkhe a Gaddar?” and “Too disappointed. He deserved a proper farewell, not this nonsense.” Hashtags such as #BringBackDrSalunkhe and #CID2 quickly gained traction, as fans demanded a rethink of the storyline and a more respectful send-off.
One fan expressed frustration, writing, “Why you made villain Dr. Salunkhe? This is impossible to believe, isse acche Dr. Gargi hi bana dete gaddar! Dr. Salunkhe acche dr k sath sath fun loving bhi thi.. You destroyed a good character.”
A Marketing Gimmick or Creative Misstep?
Industry insiders and fans alike speculate whether this twist is a deliberate marketing tactic to boost online engagement or a last-minute creative shift, possibly influenced by the actor’s own decisions. Regardless of the reason, viewers are united in their disappointment over how the character was written off—without dignity or proper closure, leaving a beloved figure tainted and an audience heartbroken.