The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially closed its investigations into the tragic death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, determining that no foul play was involved. This conclusion comes after an extensive probe into two primary cases associated with the actor’s demise.
Background of the Cases
Sushant Singh Rajput, aged 34, was found hanging in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020. The initial investigation by Mumbai Police suggested suicide, with no signs of forced entry and indications that depression might have been a contributing factor. However, the case quickly became a focal point of national attention, leading to multiple allegations and demands for a deeper investigation.
First Case: Allegations Against Rhea Chakraborty
Shortly after Rajput’s death, his father, K.K. Singh, filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Bihar Police, accusing actress Rhea Chakraborty, Rajput’s girlfriend at the time, and her family of abetment to suicide and financial misconduct. Singh alleged that Chakraborty and her family had misappropriated funds amounting to ₹15 crore and had mentally harassed his son, leading him to take his own life. The gravity of these allegations prompted the Bihar government to recommend a CBI probe, which was subsequently accepted by the central government.
Second Case: Complaint by Rhea Chakraborty
In response to the allegations against her, Rhea Chakraborty filed a counter-complaint against Sushant’s sister, Priyanka Singh, and a Delhi-based doctor. She accused them of prescribing medication to Rajput without proper consultation or diagnosis, alleging that this unprofessional conduct might have adversely affected his mental health. This case, initially registered by the Mumbai Police, was later transferred to the CBI for a comprehensive investigation.
CBI’s Investigation Process
The CBI undertook a meticulous investigation into both cases. Their approach included:
- Forensic Analysis: A medical board from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi reviewed the post-mortem and viscera reports. They concluded that the cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging, ruling out the possibility of poisoning or strangulation.
Digital Evidence Collection: The agency sought assistance from tech giants like Google and Facebook to retrieve deleted chats, emails, and posts from Rajput’s accounts. This was aimed at understanding the actor’s state of mind leading up to his death. However, no suspicious content was discovered.
Interviews and Statements: The CBI recorded statements from individuals closely associated with Rajput, including Rhea Chakraborty, his friends, staff members, and medical professionals. These interviews aimed to piece together the events leading up to the actor’s demise.
Findings and Closure Reports
After an exhaustive investigation, the CBI found no evidence to support the allegations in either case:
- Abetment to Suicide and Financial Misconduct: The agency did not uncover any proof that Chakraborty or her family had driven Rajput to suicide or misappropriated his funds. Consequently, a closure report was filed in the special court in Patna, effectively exonerating Chakraborty and her family.
Medical Negligence: In the case against Priyanka Singh and the Delhi-based doctor, the CBI concluded that there was no substantial evidence of malpractice or foul play in the prescription provided to Rajput. This led to a closure report being filed in the Mumbai court.
Reactions to the Closure
The closure of these cases has elicited varied responses:
- Rhea Chakraborty’s Legal Team: Her lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, expressed gratitude towards the CBI for their thorough investigation. He highlighted the undue harassment faced by Chakraborty and her family, stating, “We are grateful to the CBI for thoroughly investigating every aspect of the case from all angles and closing the case.”
- Public and Media: The case had garnered massive media attention, leading to widespread speculation and numerous conspiracy theories. The CBI’s findings aim to put these speculations to rest, emphasizing that Rajput’s death was a tragic case of suicide without external instigation.
Conclusion
The CBI’s closure reports mark the end of a prolonged and intense investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. The findings reiterate the importance of relying on factual evidence over speculation. As the legal proceedings conclude, it serves as a somber reminder of the mental health challenges faced by individuals, irrespective of their public persona.
