EastEnders actor Paul Bhattacharjee sent his partner a final text containing the words 'I'm sorry' before his body was discovered near cliffs in Seaford, East Sussex, two days after he was reported missing in London. The 53-year-old, known for playing Inzamam Ahmed in EastEnders from 2008 to 2010 and appearing in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale, was found dead on July 12, 2013.
Final days and disappearance
Paul was reported missing on July 10, 2013, after he was last seen leaving rehearsals at the Royal Court Theatre in London's Sloane Square. His partner, Emma McKie, last saw him that day when he complained of stomach troubles. Later that evening, around 7pm, she called him to say she was heading home. Paul then messaged her, saying he would be running extremely late and suggesting she eat dinner without him.
At 9.16pm on July 10, Emma received a final text from Paul containing the words 'I'm sorry'. On the evening of July 12, a member of the public reported seeing what appeared to be a body at the cliffs beneath Seaford's Splash Point, which was subsequently retrieved.
Inquest findings
Initial efforts to identify the body were unsuccessful. On July 17, a colleague of coroner's officer Karen Brown found an online article about Paul's disappearance. Sussex Police coordinated with the Metropolitan Police, and authorities confirmed later that day that the recovered body was Paul's.
East Sussex coroner Alan Craze recorded a verdict of suicide. An anonymous letter received later stated Paul's death was deliberate and 'linking it wholly and entirely to his bankruptcy'. Emma's statement, read to Eastbourne Magistrates' Court, described Paul as a "protective man and he couldn't have handled the bankruptcy becoming public knowledge". She added: "He would not have wanted to let me down or hurt me or his friends. The bankruptcy was the final straw after a life of major highs and lows."
Cause of death and tributes
The post-mortem examination, conducted by pathologist Dr David Wright, revealed the actor died from multiple injuries. Toxicologist Andrew Smith of Brighton's Royal Sussex County Hospital found no evidence of drugs, and a low blood alcohol reading of 42mg per 100ml was recorded.
Emma, describing Paul as a 'proud' man, said in her statement: "I do believe that Paul would take his own life. I knew about his past and the pain inside him, and I could see it in his eyes. He had a darkness inside him that was irreparable."
Sussex Police Detective Sergeant David Tye informed the inquest there was no indication anyone else was involved. Coroner Alan Craze told the court: "There isn't scope at all in this case and therefore the conclusion of this inquest will be that Gautam Paul Bhattacharjee took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed." He added: "He was extremely depressed at the time. This was a huge tragedy for a lot of people."
Paul, who lived in London's Elephant and Castle, also appeared in Dirty Pretty Things, Waking the Dead, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Spooks, The Bill, and White Teeth. For emotional support, the Samaritans 24-hour helpline is available on 116 123, or by emailing jo@samaritans.org.
