Following the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) official closure of the Sushant Singh Rajput death case — ruling out foul play — Rhea Chakraborty’s lawyer, Senior Advocate Satish Maneshinde, has released a powerful statement reflecting on the legal battle, media frenzy, and the unwarranted suffering endured by his client and her family.
In a heartfelt note, Maneshinde expressed gratitude to the CBI for thoroughly investigating the case for over four and a half years and “closing it after exploring every angle.” He also took a strong stand against the intense media trial and social media vilification that followed Sushant’s death in June 2020.
“The amount of false narrative in the social and electronic media was totally uncalled for,” the senior advocate said. “Innocent people were hounded and paraded before the media and investigative authorities.”
Maneshinde recounted the trauma faced by Rhea, who was arrested and jailed for 27 days during the course of the Narcotics Control Bureau’s probe based on allegations that later fell apart. He lauded the resilience of Rhea and her family, stating they “suffered inhuman treatment but maintained silence with dignity.”
He also revealed that he took on the Chakraborty family’s case pro bono, dismissing all speculation surrounding his legal fees. “Today, I can share that I’m proud to have defended a Fauji (army) family pro bono,” he stated.
Highlighting the need for media introspection, Maneshinde urged news outlets and digital platforms to reflect on the damage caused during the case’s peak in 2020. He cautioned against allowing similar “media-led trials” to unfold in future cases.
“I hope this does not repeat in any case. I beseech the captains of media to reflect upon what they did,” he appealed.
Concluding on a hopeful note, the advocate reaffirmed his faith in India’s judicial system:
“This country is still very safe, and every citizen crying for justice has hope due to our vibrant judiciary. Satyameva Jayate.”
The CBI’s closure of the case and the statement by Rhea’s lawyer mark a significant moment of reckoning for a saga that deeply impacted public discourse, stretched legal institutions, and sparked emotional debates across the nation.
