CBI will probe Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, orders SC
What's the story
Capping an over two-month-long controversial episode pertaining to the tragic demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the Supreme Court on Wednesday tasked Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with the probe.
This came weeks after Sushant's father approached Bihar Police, upset with how police in Mumbai, where Sushant resided, was handling the case.
Police forces of both the states were at loggerheads since.
Details
What did the SC say?
In its order, the apex court noted that the FIR lodged by Bihar Police was correct. It also asked the Mumbai Police to hand over the collected evidence to the CBI.
Earlier, the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government had downplayed Bihar Police's probe, noting that Mumbai Police's conduct was professional.
In fact, Sena MP Sanjay Raut also distastefully claimed about the strained relationship between Sushant and his father.
Twitter Post
Bihar DGP is happy with the SC's order
I am very happy. The Supreme Court's order has strengthened the trust people have in the Court and has assured the nation that justice will be delivered in the #SushantSinghRajput's death case: Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey pic.twitter.com/VFxOgbDrXE
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2020
Looking back
Sushant was found dead at his home on June 14
To recall, Sushant, aged 34, was found dead at his apartment in Mumbai on June 14. The Mumbai Police had termed it a case of suicide.
They revealed they found medications meant for clinical depression from the late actor's home. Later, Mumbai cops said Sushant was also undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder.
However, Sushant's family said they knew nothing about his diagnosis for depression.
Probe
The family was not satisfied with the Mumbai Police's probe
Evidently, Sushant's family was not satisfied with the way Mumbai Police handled this case. On July 25, nearly a month after his death, his father, KK Singh, filed a police complaint in Patna against Rhea Chakraborty, actor and Sushant's alleged girlfriend, accusing her of fraud and abetment of suicide.
He also alleged that around Rs. 15 crore were siphoned off from his son's accounts.
Reason
Previously, Bihar CM had also recommended the CBI probe
It is imperative to note that countless fans of Sushant, spread across the country, as well as some fellow politicians, had been demanding a CBI inquiry for more than two months now.
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy was among those supporting it.
Earlier this month, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recommended CBI probe into the matter, after Sushant's father made a request to him.
Twitter Post
Sushant's sister called it the first step towards victory
Congratulations to my extended Family!! So happy... first step towards victory and unbiased investigation. #JusticeforSushantSingRajput #OurfullfaithonCBI
— shweta singh kirti (@shwetasinghkirt) August 19, 2020
SC
Meanwhile, Rhea had also approached SC
Notably, Rhea had filed a petition in the top court, seeking transfer of case against her from Patna to Mumbai. The top court had heard the case on August 11.
Subsequently, a written submission was filed by all the parties in the apex court.
While Sushant's family and the Bihar government had requested for a CBI probe, Rhea and the Maharashtra government opined otherwise.
Do you know?
Rhea has denied all the allegations against her
Rhea, who has denied all the allegations against her in the case, said in the statement that the charges are nonsensical and a mere "afterthought." She added that the investigating agencies haven't found anything incriminating against her.
Suicide helpline
If you're having suicidal thoughts, please seek help
In case you need help or know someone who does, you can reach out to AASRA for suicide prevention counseling. Their number is 022 2754 6669 (24 hours).
You can also contact the Hyderabad-based Roshni NGO at +914066202000 or COOJ at +918322252525.
Sneha India Foundation, which works 24X7, can be contacted at +914424640050.
Vandrevala Foundation has trained counselors, and their number is 18602662345.