Nearly five years after the untimely demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has finally filed its closure report, ruling out murder as the cause of death. The development brings an end to a multi-agency investigation that began with an FIR filed by Sushant’s father in Patna and spiraled into one of India’s most talked-about cases — not just in courtrooms, but on television screens and social media feeds across the nation.
Sushant was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020. What followed was a frenzied media trial — one that shifted blame, morphed into conspiracy theories, and vilified several individuals, most notably actor Rhea Chakraborty, Sushant’s partner at the time. Accused of abetment to suicide and siphoning off ₹15 crore, Rhea was subjected to relentless media scrutiny, multiple investigations, and even a brief incarceration by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) over alleged drug-related charges.
However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) found no financial irregularities, and now the CBI’s closure puts to rest all murder allegations. In response, Rhea Chakraborty’s lawyer, senior advocate Satish Maneshinde, issued a detailed statement expressing gratitude to the CBI and sharply criticizing the media’s role. “Innocent people were hounded and paraded before the media. Rhea had to undergo untold miseries and was behind bars for 27 days for no fault of hers,” he said, calling out the “false narrative” that took over during the pandemic.
Maneshinde also revealed that he defended Rhea and her family pro bono, emphasizing their dignified silence amidst immense public pressure and threats. “I salute her and her family… Nothing deterred us from carrying out our legal duties,” he added, while urging media heads to reflect on their role during the episode.
As the legal chapter closes, the Sushant Singh Rajput case remains a grim reminder of the dangers of media sensationalism. While the judiciary and investigating agencies have done their job, the damage inflicted by unverified claims, character assassinations, and prime-time judgments will continue to raise uncomfortable questions about ethics and accountability in Indian media.
The legal truth may be out — but the debate around how we treat such tragedies in the public domain is far from over.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official reports and public statements. It does not endorse any speculation or unverified claims related to the case.
