Nearly four years after actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai apartment, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly concluded that Rhea Chakraborty, his partner at the time, and her family played no role in his death. The findings were presented in a Mumbai court, offering long-awaited relief to Chakraborty, who endured a brutal media trial and was jailed for 27 days.
Key Highlights From Sushant Singh Rajput Case:
CBI Closes Case: No Evidence Against Rhea or Her Family
In a statement shared with the BBC, senior lawyer Satish Maneshinde, who represented Chakraborty, confirmed the CBI “thoroughly investigated every aspect” and found no criminal liability on the part of Rhea or her family. The case findings have now been submitted to a special court, which will determine whether to officially close the matter.
“She went through untold miseries… jailed for no fault of hers,” said Maneshinde, urging media outlets to reflect on the damage caused by sensationalist coverage.
Media Trial and Misogynistic Attacks
Following Rajput’s death on 14 June 2020, Chakraborty was subjected to a wave of online hate, character assassination, and vicious tabloid coverage. Labelled a “gold digger,” “witch,” and “murderer,” the actress was relentlessly targeted by some of India’s most prominent TV anchors.
She was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau and spent nearly a month in jail. Her brother Showik Chakraborty was jailed for three months. Neither has been convicted of any offence.
“You went on a witch-hunt… Apologise. That’s the very least you can do,” actress Dia Mirza posted on Instagram, echoing growing calls for accountability from media outlets.
Rhea’s Quiet Comeback and Public Silence
While Rhea Chakraborty has not officially commented on the CBI’s findings, she was spotted visiting a temple with her father and brother. Her brother later posted a photo with her captioned “Satyamev Jayate” (Truth Alone Prevails), hinting at a sense of closure.
Since her release, Rhea has slowly returned to public life—trying her hand at motivational speaking, launching a podcast, and appearing in a reality show. Yet, she has spoken candidly about how the backlash impacted her mental health, career, and family.
“I was very angry for a long time. It gave me acidity and gut issues,” she told Humans of Bombay in an earlier interview.
Public, Political, and Industry Support Grows
The latest revelations have sparked widespread reaction across platforms:
- Journalist Rohini Singh demanded apologies from named channels.
- MP Sagarika Ghose raised the matter in Parliament, questioning media accountability.
- Feminist lawyer Payal Chawla called the narrative surrounding Chakraborty “deeply misogynistic.”
- Columnist Namita Bhandare highlighted that Rhea became the “expendable villain” in a TRP-driven narrative.
Will Rhea Sue for Defamation? Legal Experts Weigh In
Although many are now urging her to sue for defamation, legal experts say this may be a long and uncertain road.
“A defamation case in India can drag on for a decade. Would she even bother?” asked Bhandare.
Still, several clips of anchors making slanderous accusations are now resurfacing, renewing calls for media reform and ethical journalism.
A Cautionary Tale in Indian Media History
The sushant singh rajput case, once the most widely followed story on Indian television, has come full circle. What began as a tragic loss turned into a national frenzy—with Rhea Chakraborty vilified without trial. Now, with the CBI finding no wrongdoing, her case stands as a grim reminder of the damage caused by unchecked media narratives.
As calls for justice, accountability, and apology grow louder, the focus shifts from sensationalism to reflection—and perhaps, to the long-overdue redemption of a woman wronged by public perception.
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