Why Dr. Salunkhe CID Exit in CID 2 Shocked Fans: A Detailed Look at the 'Traitor' Twist

The long-running Indian crime drama CID has been a favorite among viewers since it first aired in 1998. For two decades, audiences followed the CID team through hundreds of investigations, suspenseful mysteries, and unforgettable character moments. One of the most loved characters was Dr. Salunkhe, the forensic expert portrayed by veteran actor Narendra Gupta. Known for his intelligence and loyalty to the CID team, Dr. Salunkhe was a core member of the show’s cast and played a vital role in solving cases.

So when CID 2, the sequel to the original series, revealed that Dr Salunkhe was the traitor in the team, fans across the world were left shocked and heartbroken. This article dives deep into what happened in CID 2, why this twist hurt fans, and how it affects the legacy of Dr Salunkhe CID.

The Legacy of CID and Dr Salunkhe CID

The original CID aired on Indian television from 1998 to 2018. The show became one of the longest-running crime series in Indian TV history. With gripping stories and strong characters, it built a loyal following across generations. Fans loved the crime-solving trio of ACP Pradyuman (Shivaji Satam), Senior Inspector Abhijeet (Aditya Srivastava), and Inspector Daya (Dayanand Shetty).

But another standout figure was Dr. Salunkhe CID, the forensic expert who used science and sharp reasoning to help the team crack cases. His chemistry with the rest of the team, especially with Dr. Tarika, added warmth and depth to the show. Dr Salunkhe CID was often seen in the lab, analyzing evidence, running tests, and explaining scientific details in simple ways.

His character brought intelligence and calm to the high-intensity investigations. Over time, he became a fan favorite and a trusted face on Indian TV.

CID 2: A New Beginning with Old Favorites

After CID ended in 2018, many fans hoped for its return. That wish came true in 2024, when CID 2 was launched. The show picked up with fresh cases, new challenges, and a few changes in the cast. However, the makers kept the heart of the show alive by bringing back beloved characters, including Dr Salunkhe CID.

CID 2 started with dramatic twists. The main villain, Barboza, was introduced as a clever enemy who managed to break the CID team. In one of the earliest shocks, ACP Pradyuman was declared dead, and a new officer, ACP Ayushmaan (played by Parth Samthaan), took charge of the investigations.

The story got even more intense when ACP Ayushmaan began to suspect that someone within the CID team had betrayed them by secretly helping Barboza. This idea of a “gaddar” (traitor) shook the very foundation of the show.

The Big Reveal: Dr Salunkhe CID Is the Traitor

In the most recent and dramatic episodes, fans were stunned when it was revealed that the traitor was none other than Dr. Salunkhe CID. This revelation came after ACP Pradyuman, who was believed to be dead, was found alive. In an emotional scene, the CID team reunited and asked the big question: Who was the traitor?

Dr. Salunkhe then confessed. He admitted that he had helped Barboza. His reason? He felt frustrated and unrecognized after years of loyal service. According to his confession, he was tired of seeing others receive praise and awards while his forensic work went unnoticed.

This explanation was met with strong reactions from both the characters in the show and viewers across social media. For many, the justification for his betrayal felt weak and unconvincing. Dr. Salunkhe had always been shown as a man of integrity and science. Fans could not believe he would turn his back on the team he had supported for so long.

Fan Reactions to Dr. Salunkhe's CID Exit

The twist sparked a wave of emotional responses online. Many long-time fans said the plot twist was unfair and out of character. They argued that Dr Salunkhe CID would never betray his colleagues, especially not for something as shallow as recognition.

Others were upset that the show had used a beloved character to create drama instead of giving him a respectful exit. For a character who had been loyal and intelligent for two decades, this ending felt like a betrayal of trust, not just within the show but also with the audience.

Some fans even called for the show’s writers to reverse the twist or reveal that Dr Salunkhe CID was being framed.

Why This Twist Matters

The decision to make Dr. Salunkhe the traitor has long-term effects on how fans view the entire series. Characters like him were the heart of the original show. Changing his role into a villain can damage the memory and emotional connection viewers had built over the years.

In storytelling, plot twists are important, but they must feel earned and believable. This twist, many fans think, was not supported by the character’s long history. Instead, it seemed forced, added only to shock the audience.

From a broader view, this also brings up questions about how TV writers handle legacy characters in sequels. Should writers stay true to the original character arc, or do they have full freedom to change it for surprise value?

What’s Next After Dr Salunkhe CID?

With Dr Salunkhe CID now behind bars in the show, Dr. Tarika (played by Shraddha Musale) is expected to return and take over forensic duties. This brings hope to fans who are still trying to adjust to the twist.

While CID 2 continues to deliver high-stakes drama, it remains to be seen how the show will recover from this creative risk. Will fans accept this version of Dr Salunkhe CID? Or will the backlash force the creators to rethink their approach?

Conclusion: The End of an Era

Dr Salunkhe CID was not just a character in a crime show — he was a symbol of intelligence, stability, and silent strength. His sudden transformation into a traitor has deeply affected fans, especially those who grew up watching the original CID series.

While the show must evolve to stay exciting, character integrity should not be sacrificed for short-term drama. For many, this is not just a plot twist. It feels like the end of an era.

If the makers of CID 2 truly value their loyal audience, they may need to bring more clarity or redemption to this storyline. Until then, fans will continue to remember the real Dr Salunkhe CID — the forensic genius who stood by truth and justice for over 20 years.

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