CBI Closes Sushant Singh Rajput Case, Clears Rhea Chakraborty
The CBI has closed its probe into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, ruling out foul play and clearing Rhea Chakraborty of all allegations.
After Years of Scrutiny, CBI Closes Sushant Singh Rajput’s Death Case
More than four years after the tragic death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally concluded its probe. In a development that seeks to close one of India’s most high-profile and emotionally charged celebrity cases, the agency has ruled out any foul play, giving a clean chit to actress Rhea Chakraborty and others who were entangled in a whirlwind of public scrutiny, conspiracy theories, and media speculation.
The closure of the case puts to rest years of relentless speculation that engulfed not only Rajput’s family and fans but also his former girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, who was vilified on social media and hounded by investigators and television cameras.
A Tragic Loss That Shook a Nation
On June 14, 2020, Sushant Singh Rajput, then 34, was found dead in his Mumbai apartment. The initial report from Cooper Hospital cited asphyxia due to hanging as the cause of death. However, the circumstances surrounding his passing soon spiraled into a nationwide media frenzy. The actor’s sudden demise struck a chord with millions, prompting an avalanche of questions about mental health, fame, and the pressures of the entertainment industry.
Amid public outcry, the case quickly evolved from a suspected suicide to a convoluted saga involving allegations of murder, financial misconduct, and even drug use.
Rhea Chakraborty’s Legal Ordeal
Few bore the brunt of the backlash as heavily as Rhea Chakraborty. Once known for her quiet presence in the industry, Chakraborty found herself in the eye of a storm. Accused by Rajput’s father of abetment to suicide and financial fraud, she was arrested in September 2020 by the Narcotics Control Bureau in a related drug investigation and spent nearly a month in judicial custody.
In a statement following the CBI’s closure report, Chakraborty’s lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, expressed relief and gratitude. “We are grateful to the CBI for having thoroughly investigated every aspect of the case from all angles and closed the case,” he said. He also condemned the “false narrative” that permeated electronic and social media at the time, calling it “totally uncalled for.”
During the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, with audiences glued to their screens, the case turned into a spectacle. Innocent individuals, Maneshinde noted, were “hounded and paraded before the media.”
Two Sides of a Legal Battle
The CBI had been examining two separate complaints: one filed by Rajput’s father, KK Singh, in Patna, and another by Rhea Chakraborty in Mumbai.
Singh had alleged that Chakraborty manipulated his son and misappropriated ₹15 crore (approximately $1.8 million) from his bank accounts. In contrast, Chakraborty had accused Rajput’s sisters of procuring medication for him using a fake prescription just days before his death.
Both complaints were eventually transferred to the CBI, which embarked on a comprehensive investigation that spanned nearly five years and involved an array of forensic, financial, and medical evidence.
Inside the CBI’s Closure Report
The final closure report, filed before special courts in Patna and Mumbai, ruled out the possibility of murder or any criminal conspiracy. CBI officials stated that expert analyses, forensic evaluations, witness testimonies, and a detailed crime scene assessment all pointed to one conclusion: Sushant Singh Rajput died by suicide.
“No material has been found that supports allegations of abetment or foul play,” said a senior official involved in the investigation. “After gathering technical evidence from multiple sources, including international platforms, consulting with medical experts, and questioning key individuals, the agency concluded that there was no criminal involvement.”
Supporting this conclusion, a medico-legal report from AIIMS ruled out earlier claims of poisoning or strangulation. These theories, propagated on social media and amplified by TV debates, were categorically debunked by forensic experts.
Media Trials and the Damage Done
The CBI’s findings may offer legal closure, but they also bring into sharp focus the darker underbelly of media sensationalism and public judgment.
What began as a tragic loss of a beloved actor swiftly transformed into a televised investigation, complete with panel discussions, leaked chats, and unverified theories. In the absence of official updates, news anchors and social media influencers filled the void, often at the expense of truth and compassion.
Chakraborty, once dubbed “India’s most hated woman” by tabloids, endured an ordeal few could imagine. The backlash included hate messages, online abuse, and character assassination—all before any official conclusions had been reached.
In hindsight, her case underscores the urgent need for media accountability and responsible journalism, especially during ongoing investigations.
Mental Health and the Entertainment Industry
Beyond the legal and media spectacle, Rajput’s death reignited conversations around mental health in India—a topic still riddled with stigma.
According to a 2023 report by the World Health Organization, India accounts for nearly 15% of the global mental health burden. Yet, access to psychiatric care and public awareness remains limited, especially in high-pressure professions like entertainment.
Friends and colleagues of Rajput had previously spoken about his struggles with anxiety and depression. However, the initial reluctance to accept suicide as a possibility reflected the broader societal discomfort with acknowledging mental illness.
If there’s one lasting legacy from this tragedy, it’s the reminder that success and fame offer no immunity from inner turmoil—and that mental health deserves the same attention and empathy as physical well-being.
The Road Ahead: Healing, Not Headlines
As courts now decide whether to accept the CBI’s closure reports, many hope this chapter brings some peace to those directly affected.
For Rhea Chakraborty, the end of this case might also mark the beginning of healing. While she’s made a few public appearances and shared glimpses of her recovery journey, the scars of media trials and public judgment run deep.
For Rajput’s fans, closure may never come easy. But perhaps this conclusion offers a more grounded understanding of a complex tragedy—one that went beyond headlines and hashtags.
The CBI’s decision to close the Sushant Singh Rajput case, while long-awaited, reopens vital conversations. About justice. About media responsibility. And about the silent battles, many fight behind their smiles.
Perhaps the most humane response now is to remember Rajput for the brilliance he brought to the screen—and ensure that the conversations his death inspired don’t fade into silence.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on official reports, public statements, and verified media sources. It does not intend to speculate or pass judgment beyond the conclusions drawn by investigative authorities.)