In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially closed its investigation into the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, concluding that there was no foul play involved. This closure comes nearly five years after Rajput was found deceased in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020. The agency’s findings have brought relief to many, including actress Rhea Chakraborty and her legal team, who have been under intense scrutiny since the incident.India Today+4India Today+4NewsBytes+4
CBI’s Investigation and Findings
The CBI took over the case from the Bihar Police, which had registered an abetment to suicide case based on a complaint by Rajput’s father, K.K. Singh. The central agency conducted a comprehensive investigation, examining various angles, recording statements from individuals close to Rajput, including Rhea Chakraborty, and analyzing medical records. Forensic experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) provided a medico-legal opinion dismissing claims of poisoning and strangulation. After thorough scrutiny, the CBI found no material evidence to support allegations of criminal conspiracy or foul play in Rajput’s death.
Closure Reports Filed
The agency submitted two closure reports: one addressing the abetment to suicide allegations filed by Rajput’s father and another concerning Chakraborty’s complaint against Rajput’s sisters. The former was filed before a special court in Patna, while the latter was presented in Mumbai. Both reports concluded that there was no substantial evidence to pursue criminal charges against any of the accused parties.
Satish Maneshinde’s Statement
Reacting to the CBI’s closure reports, Satish Maneshinde, the legal counsel for Rhea Chakraborty, expressed gratitude towards the agency for its meticulous investigation. He stated, “We are grateful to the CBI for having thoroughly investigated every aspect of the case from all angles and closing the case.” Maneshinde also criticized the false narratives propagated in both social and electronic media, highlighting the undue harassment faced by innocent individuals during the investigation. He emphasized that Chakraborty endured significant hardships, including a 27-day incarceration, before being granted bail by the Bombay High Court.
Background of the Case
Sushant Singh Rajput’s untimely death in 2020 sent shockwaves across the nation, leading to widespread media coverage and public speculation. Initial investigations by the Mumbai Police suggested suicide, but allegations from Rajput’s family accusing Rhea Chakraborty of abetment to suicide and financial misconduct prompted a more in-depth probe. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) also became involved, investigating money laundering and drug-related angles, respectively. Chakraborty was arrested by the NCB but was later released on bail due to lack of substantial evidence.
Media’s Role and Public Perception
The case highlighted the influential role of media in shaping public perception. Continuous coverage, often speculative, led to the vilification of certain individuals without concrete evidence. Maneshinde pointed out that during the pandemic, with audiences glued to their screens, the spread of unverified information caused undue distress to those involved. He remarked, “Innocent people were hounded and paraded before the media and investigative authorities.”
Political Repercussions
The investigation also had political ramifications. The Maharashtra Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting Rajput’s death for political gain, particularly during the Bihar elections, given Rajput’s roots in Patna. The party alleged that the BJP used the tragedy to malign the then Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra. With the CBI’s closure report ruling out foul play, these political narratives have come under scrutiny. News9live+2India Today+2NewsBytes+2
Conclusion
The closure of the CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death marks the end of a prolonged period of speculation, media trials, and emotional turmoil for those involved. The findings reaffirm the importance of relying on thorough and unbiased investigations over conjecture. As the legal proceedings conclude, it serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of media sensationalism and the need for responsible journalism.
