The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has concluded its investigation into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, stating in its closure report that there is no evidence to suggest Rhea Chakraborty illegally confined, threatened, or abetted his suicide. The report also indicates that Chakraborty did not embezzle his funds or possessions, and that Rajput considered her ‘family’.
However, Sushant Singh Rajput’s family and legal team have called the report an ‘eyewash’ and an ‘incomplete document’. According to their lawyer, Varun Singh, the CBI failed to submit crucial supporting documents like chats, technical records, and witness statements. Consequently, the family intends to file a protest petition against the closure report, citing a ‘shoddy investigation’.
The federal agency had previously filed two closure reports. One addressed allegations by Sushant’s father, K.K. Singh, accusing Rhea and her family of driving his son to suicide and embezzling his finances. The second report pertained to a case filed by Rhea against Sushant’s sisters. This investigation became a highly polarizing case in India.
Exclusive access to the main closure report reveals it addresses allegations against Rhea Chakraborty, her parents Indrajeet and Sandhya Chakraborty, brother Showik, Rajput’s manager Shruti Modi, and house manager Samuel Miranda. The investigation concluded that Sushant committed suicide. Notably, none of the accused individuals were with him between June 8 and June 14, 2020, the day he was found deceased. Rhea and her brother left his residence on June 8 and did not return. Sushant last communicated with Showik via WhatsApp on June 10, but had no conversations with Rhea during the critical period from June 8 to June 14.
The report states that Shruti Modi had not visited Sushant’s house since February due to a leg fracture. Furthermore, Sushant’s sister, Meetu Singh, stayed with him from June 8 to June 12. The CBI found no evidence of immediate provocation or abetment by any of the accused that could have led to Sushant’s suicide.
Regarding allegations of wrongful confinement, the CBI report found no evidence to suggest Sushant was illegally confined or restrained by any accused or other individual.
Concerning accusations of theft and embezzlement of funds, the report indicates that Rhea took her Apple laptop and wristwatch, gifts from Sushant, when she left his house on June 8 with her brother. However, the investigation found no evidence of any property being dishonestly taken from Sushant’s possession without his knowledge by Rhea or any other accused.
Addressing charges of cheating, the CBI noted that Rhea was in a live-in relationship with Sushant from April 2019 to June 2020. The actor’s finances were reportedly managed by his chartered accountant and lawyer. Sushant had authorized a Europe trip for Rhea in October 2019, with bookings made by his manager as per his instructions. He had even told his flatmate, Sidharth Pithani, that Rhea was like family. Therefore, expenses related to Rhea were not considered within the ambit of Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, as no evidence suggested any movable property was illicitly obtained by deceiving Sushant.
The agency also stated that no evidence of threats, including digital threats, against Sushant by any of the accused was found. The only allegation from Sushant’s family was that he had mentioned Rhea threatening to make his medical records public if he did not comply with her demands; however, this was deemed hearsay evidence.
Sushant’s family lawyer, Advocate Varun Singh, expressed dissatisfaction, stating that merely claiming Sushant’s accounts were not used for fund withdrawal is insufficient without bank statements. He described the report as ‘flimsy’ and unlikely to hold up in court.
The case has had significant political ramifications, particularly in Sushant’s home state of Bihar, and expanded to include allegations of drug trafficking within the film industry. A Patna court is scheduled to hear the closure report matter on December 20.