By Anil Merani: Dr. Salunkhe’s departure from CID, portrayed by Narendra Gupta, has stirred considerable debate among fans. His exit, which was overly clinical and lacking the emotional weight expected for a core character, has significantly altered the show’s dynamic. As a pivotal figure in CID since its inception in 1998, Salunkhe’s scientific expertise and calm presence were integral to the show. His abrupt exit in CID 2 (2025), where he is revealed to be a traitor working for the villain Barboza, feels jarring and unsatisfying. This response examines whether his exit lacked emotional depth, whether it was too detached, and whether a character of his stature deserved a more thoughtful closure, drawing on fan reactions and available insights.
Was Dr. Salunkhe’s Exit Too Clinical?
Dr. Salunkhe’s exit unfolded during a dramatic roundtable confrontation, a hallmark of CID, where he was exposed as a traitor leaking sensitive information to Barboza. The storyline implied that his betrayal stemmed from feelings of neglect, suggesting he felt undervalued by the team. However, this resolution felt cold and mechanical for several reasons:
1. Sudden Revelation: The stark contrast between Salunkhe’s long-standing loyalty and the sudden revelation of his betrayal left fans feeling unprepared. The justification of feeling unappreciated seemed inconsistent with his character, further adding to the abruptness of the plot twist.
2. Quick Narrative Shift: Following the confrontation, the team quickly resumed their investigations without addressing Salunkhe’s absence. Many viewers criticised this as the team “moving on too casually,” which felt dismissive of a character of such significance.
3. Lack of Emotional Scenes: The exit missed opportunities for meaningful interactions, such as the team reflecting on Salunkhe’s betrayal or expressing grief. Unlike other character exits, there were no heartfelt moments or tributes, making the departure feel sterile and lacking the emotional resonance that fans had expected. This clinical approach starkly contrasts with other CID farewells, such as Parth Samthaan’s exit as ACP Ayushmaan, which included emotional off-screen moments shared widely online. Salunkhe’s exit, limited to a shocking plot twist, prioritised drama over honouring his legacy, leaving an emotional void in the show.
Lack of Emotional Depth for a Core Character
As CID’s forensic backbone, Dr. Salunkhe was not merely a scientist; he was a cultural icon who popularised forensic science for Indian audiences. His interactions, from witty exchanges with ACP Pradyuman to protective moments with Daya, added depth to his character. Fans revered him as the “mastermind” behind the team’s success, making the lack of emotional closure in his exit particularly stark:
1. Failure to Celebrate His Contributions: The show neglected to highlight Salunkhe’s iconic cases through flashbacks or references, failing to acknowledge his 27-year impact on the series. This lack of recognition left fans feeling that his significant contributions went unappreciated.
2. Detached Response from the Team: The team, including close allies like Abhijeet and Daya, showed little emotional conflict over Salunkhe’s betrayal. This was especially jarring given past episodes where Salunkhe had defended team members, such as saving Daya from false accusations.
3. Fan Disappointment: Discussions on social media reveal fans’ frustration, with many labeling the traitor arc as “unbelievable” and “disrespectful” to an “OG character.” Many hoped for a twist that would redeem him, showcasing the emotional void that his exit created.
Compared to tributes for other characters, such as the late Dinesh Phadnis (Fredricks), which included on-screen and social media acknowledgements, Salunkhe’s exit felt like a missed opportunity to honour a beloved character.
Did Dr. Salunkhe Deserve a More Comprehensive Closure?
Given Salunkhe’s enduring presence and impact, he undoubtedly deserved a more meaningful send-off:
1. Cultural and Narrative Significance: Salunkhe’s role since 1998 (with stints until 2025) made him a pillar of CID. His betrayal arc clashed with his loyal persona, and fans suggested that newer characters could have taken on the traitor role to preserve his legacy.
2. Fan Expectations: As a character who sparked viewers’ interest in forensics, Salunkhe’s villainous exit risks tarnishing his image. Fans felt a more respectful closure was owed to him to maintain his iconic status.
3. Storytelling Potential: A richer exit could have included a redemption arc, perhaps revealing Salunkhe’s betrayal as a strategic sacrifice or emotional scenes showing the team’s struggle with his actions. Flashbacks to moments like his banter with Pradyuman could have added a nostalgic element. Discussing these potential narrative directions and their impact on the show’s future could engage readers deeply.
How Closure Could Have Been Enhanced?
1. Redemption Narrative: Framing Salunkhe as an undercover operative could have preserved his loyalty and led to an emotional reunion with the team.
2. Emotional Tribute: Scenes of the team reflecting on his contributions or visiting him in prison would have added much-needed depth.
3. Fan Engagement: A social media tribute could have allowed fans to share their appreciation for Salunkhe and discuss his legacy within the show.
In summary, Dr Salunkhe’s departure from CID deserved greater emotional depth to honour his significant contributions, which would have better resonated with the audience and enriched the storyline.