'CID' Creator B.P. Singh passes away at 86 following massive heart attack; Last rites on October 28

Brijendra Pal Singh, affectionately known as B.P. Singh and the visionary creator behind Indian television’s landmark crime procedural CID, passed away on Tuesday morning (October 27) following a massive heart attack.

Filmmaker and close associate Ashoke Pandit shared the news of his demise on social media, paying rich tribute to the veteran producer-director whose work defined Indian television entertainment for over two decades. Singh's last rites will be performed on Wednesday, October 28, with further details to be announced by his family.

Industry mourns loss of TV pioneer

Confirming the news on Instagram, Ashoke Pandit expressed deep grief over the passing of his long-time colleague and former Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) President.

"Sad to know about the demise of an ace Producer Director B.P.Singh ji due to massive heart attack today early morning. A brilliant filmmaker who captivated the nation with his crime shows C.I.D and AAhat. His work is still and will continue to be an inspiration to generations to come," wrote Pandit.

He added: "Was fortunate to be a very close associate of him when he was the President of Indian Film & Television Directors' Association. A great human being and a dear friend Will always be remembered with his contribution in the entertainment world. Heartfelt condolences to the family & near ones. The last rites will be performed tomorrow, October 28. Details will be shared soon."

Brain behind 'CID' and DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole

Born in Dehradun, B.P. Singh crafted one of Indian television's most enduring legacies when he created, directed, and produced CID. Premiering in 1998 on Sony Entertainment Television, the investigative crime drama followed a fictional team of Mumbai Crime Branch officers solving complex cases and went on to run for 20 continuous years, becoming a pop-culture phenomenon across generations.

Beyond his role as the showrunner and director, Singh occasionally stepped in front of the camera to play the memorable and eccentric character of DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole. Under his guidance, the show’s immense popularity also birthed the CID Gallantry Awards in 2010 to honour real-life acts of bravery.

Singh’s creative footprint extended far beyond crime procedurals. He brought horror to mainstream Indian television with Aahat, a hugely successful anthology series that aired from 1995 to 2015 and set the benchmark for TV horror in India.

Over his long and distinguished career, Singh produced and helmed several notable television shows and digital projects, including Khaaki, SuperCops Vs SuperVillains, and the web series Abhay, leaving behind an indelible mark on small-screen storytelling.