“Simple Suicide”: CBI Files Closure Report in Sushant Singh Rajput Death Case, Clean Chit to Rhea Chakraborty

After more than four years of investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a closure report in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, putting an end to the much hyped murder mystery. The central agency has called it a case of “simple suicide”, thereby giving a clean chit to actor Rhea Chakraborty 

The 34-year-old actor was found hanging at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai, on June 14, 2020. His death sparked widespread speculation and multiple conspiracy theories, leading to intense investigations by various agencies, including the CBI. Chakraborty, the good friend of the deceased Bollywood actor came under scanner after Rajput’s family lodged a complaint in Patna following the tragedy. Rajput’s father KK Singh filed a complaint alleging role of Rhea Chakraborty and others behind abatement to suicide, financial fraud and mental harassment. Rhea Chakraborty had filed a counter-complaint in Mumbai, alleging that Sushant's sisters had obtained a fake medical prescription for him, prescribing him psychiatric medicines without proper medical examination. Both the cases were taken up by CBI in August 2020. Rhea Chakraborty was, meanwhile, arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in September 2020 on charges of possessing drugs and was accused of procuring drugs for the late action. She was later granted bail after having spent 28 days at Byculla Jail. 

CBI Finds No Evidence of Foul Play

The CBI, which took over the probe from Bihar Police in August 2020, has reportedly found no evidence to support claims that Rajput was driven to suicide. The agency has given a clean chit to Rhea Chakraborty and her family, sources added.

AIIMS Forensic Report Supports Suicide Theory

A forensic team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had earlier concluded that Sushant's death was a case of suicide, not murder. The CBI also conducted forensic analysis of electronic devices, including a laptop, hard disks, a Canon camera, and two mobile phones, but found no incriminating evidence.

During the probe, the agency questioned over 20 individuals, including Chakraborty, her family, and several people associated with the late actor.

Closure Report Hearing on April 8

The Bandra magistrate court has scheduled the next hearing on April 8 to review the closure report. If accepted, the case will be formally closed.

Rhea Chakraborty’s Lawyer Reacts

Reacting to the development, Rhea Chakraborty’s lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, expressed gratitude for the thorough investigation but criticised the media trial that followed Rajput’s death.

"Innocent people were hounded and paraded before the media and investigative agencies. I hope this does not happen again. Rhea had to endure immense hardship, spending 27 days in jail for no fault of hers until Justice Sarang V Kotwal granted her bail," he said.

He further lauded Rhea's family for maintaining silence despite suffering harassment, adding, "I am proud to have defended a fauji (Army) family pro bono. Justice has prevailed."

Supreme Court Had Dismissed Lookout Circular Against Chakraborty Family

In October 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the Bombay High Court’s decision to cancel the CBI’s lookout circular issued against Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik, and their parents in 2020.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan had slammed the CBI, stating that the petition challenging the cancellation was frivolous and seemingly filed just because the accused were from a high-profile background.

"We are warning you. You are filing such a frivolous petition, only because one of the accused is a high-profile person. It will be dismissed with exemplary costs," Justice Gavai had remarked.

With the CBI’s closure report now in court, the high-profile case that gripped the nation for years may finally come to an end.