The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally submitted two closure reports in the complex and widely publicized case surrounding the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, almost five years after his untimely demise. Rajput, a beloved figure in Indian cinema, was found hanging in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020 — a tragedy that spiraled into a national obsession. The case swiftly morphed into a sensational saga, fueled by relentless media coverage, explosive conspiracy theories, and a divided public hungry for answers. The CBI’s conclusive findings aim to draw a line under the myriad speculations, firmly stating that no foul play or criminal intent was uncovered, effectively closing one of the most polarizing cases in recent memory.
The first closure report addresses the abetment to suicide complaint filed by Rajput’s father, KK Singh, who had publicly and legally accused Sushant’s then-girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty, and her family of manipulating and isolating his son, financially exploiting him, and ultimately pushing him towards suicide. Singh alleged that Rhea siphoned ₹15 crore from Sushant’s bank accounts and even went so far as to accuse her of poisoning him — an allegation that captured national attention and sparked fierce debates across television channels and social media platforms. Following an exhaustive investigation spanning years, the CBI concluded that none of these claims could be substantiated. The agency relied on expert forensic analyses, crime scene recreations, digital data reviews, and statements from dozens of witnesses — including those close to Rajput — before determining that no evidence supported the accusations.
A crucial turning point in the probe was the medico-legal opinion provided by AIIMS forensic experts, which ruled out both poisoning and strangulation. The report corroborated the initial postmortem findings from Mumbai’s Cooper Hospital, affirming that the cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging. This effectively dismantled any lingering theories of homicide or forced intoxication, which had been relentlessly promoted by sections of the media and various public figures.
The second closure report pertains to Rhea Chakraborty’s counter-complaint, in which she accused Sushant’s sister, Priyanka Singh, and a Delhi-based doctor of unlawfully prescribing psychotropic medication to Rajput without a valid consultation. Chakraborty claimed that Rajput began taking the medication just days before his death, insinuating that this may have contributed to his mental decline. This case, initially registered by the Mumbai Police and later handed over to the CBI, was subjected to detailed scrutiny. Investigators examined the prescription, cross-verified with medical professionals, and recorded statements from Priyanka Singh and the prescribing doctor — ultimately finding no criminal wrongdoing. The CBI concluded that the prescription was issued appropriately and that there was no evidence to suggest it played any role in Rajput’s death, effectively quashing Chakraborty’s allegations.
In response to the closure reports, Rhea Chakraborty’s lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, expressed a mix of relief and vindication. He praised the CBI for what he described as a "methodical and unbiased" investigation that thoroughly examined every possible angle. Maneshinde condemned the media's role in shaping a false narrative, emphasizing how Rhea became a scapegoat in the public eye. He pointed out that Rhea endured severe emotional and mental trauma, not to mention the 28 days she spent in jail as part of a separate, drug-related investigation linked to the case. Maneshinde lamented how, during the pandemic lockdown, the nation was transfixed on the case — with television debates and social media campaigns vilifying Rhea without evidence. He asserted that the ordeal amounted to a public witch hunt, driven more by sensationalism than facts.
Politically, the case has now taken on an added dimension. The Maharashtra Congress swiftly launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of exploiting Sushant Singh Rajput’s death for electoral gains — particularly during the Bihar assembly elections, where Rajput’s Patna roots were used to evoke emotional support. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant alleged that the BJP orchestrated a calculated smear campaign against the then-Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, led by Uddhav Thackeray. He argued that the CBI’s closure reports serve as proof that the BJP "weaponized" Rajput’s death to score political points, portraying the MVA as corrupt and inept in handling the investigation. Sawant further stated that the closure reports “expose the BJP’s dirty politics” and their alleged use of a tragic, deeply personal loss to sway voter sentiments.
As both reports now await final acceptance by the courts, the development represents a critical moment in a case that has not only exposed the vulnerabilities within India’s media ecosystem but also highlighted how a deeply personal tragedy can be transformed into a national spectacle-- — driven by political agendas, public hysteria, and a desperate craving for closure. For many, Sushant Singh Rajput’s death will remain an emotional and unresolved wound, but the CBI’s findings may finally allow the legal chapter to close, even if public sentiment continues to be divided.
