Bollywood Star Rhea Chakraborty Cleared in Sushant Singh Rajput Suicide Case After Grueling Media Trial
Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty faced intense public scrutiny and a media frenzy following the death of her boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Vilified and subjected to a harsh media trial, Chakraborty was branded with derogatory labels and unjustly imprisoned for 27 days in 2020 amidst allegations of involvement in Rajput’s death. However, federal investigators have now concluded their probe, affirming Rajput’s death as a suicide and absolving Chakraborty and her family of any culpability. This development brings closure to a protracted and sensationalized chapter, raising critical questions about media ethics and the impact of public opinion.
Federal Investigators Conclude Rajput’s Death as Suicide
India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the federal agency leading the probe, has submitted its findings to a Mumbai court. The CBI’s report definitively states that Sushant Singh Rajput, a celebrated figure in the Hindi film industry, died by suicide. The investigation further determined that neither Rhea Chakraborty nor any member of her family played any role in his demise.
Legal Counsel Affirms Closure, Condemns Media Trial
Satish Maneshinde, the senior lawyer representing Chakraborty, conveyed in a statement to the BBC that the CBI conducted a comprehensive investigation, scrutinizing all facets of the case from every perspective before reaching its conclusion. The findings are now before a special Mumbai court, which will decide whether to formally close the case or mandate further inquiry.
“Untold Miseries” and Call for Media Reflection
Mr. Maneshinde asserted that Chakraborty endured “untold miseries” and unjust imprisonment. He vehemently criticized the “false narrative” propagated by social media and electronic media, urging media executives to reconsider their conduct. He lamented the unwarranted “hounding” and public shaming of innocent individuals by the media and investigative bodies, expressing hope that such events would not recur.
Feminist Perspective on Misogyny and Judgment
Payal Chawla, a feminist lawyer, described the “misogynistic narrative” surrounding Chakraborty as profoundly disturbing. She emphasized that this case should serve as a stark “cautionary reminder” concerning the dangers of premature judgment and biased public discourse.
Rhea Chakraborty and Family Seek Solace
Chakraborty herself has remained silent since news of the CBI’s intent to close the case emerged. She was recently seen visiting a temple with her brother and father, who were also implicated in the initial police complaint related to Rajput’s death. Her brother, Showik Chakraborty, who previously spent three months in jail before being granted bail, shared a photograph with Rhea accompanied by the Sanskrit phrase “Satyamev Jayate,” meaning “truth alone prevails,” possibly indicating a sense of vindication.
Recalling the Events Surrounding Sushant Singh Rajput’s Death
Sushant Singh Rajput was discovered deceased in his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020. Mumbai police initially reported that the 34-year-old actor, who was undergoing treatment for mental health issues, appeared to have taken his own life.
Initial Grief and Subsequent Allegations
Chakraborty, who had been in a relationship with Rajput and living with him until a few days before his death, expressed her profound grief on social media. However, within weeks, she became the focal point of a controversy. Rajput’s father filed a police complaint accusing Chakraborty of financial impropriety and contributing to his son’s suicide, while also denying Rajput’s struggles with mental health.
Media Frenzy and Misogynistic Attacks
The tragic event, unfolding during a nationwide lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, became a dominant news story. Chakraborty faced a barrage of misogynistic abuse, labeled with offensive terms and subjected to rape and death threats. Certain prominent television news anchors dedicated extensive airtime to the case, portraying her as a manipulative figure who engaged in “black magic” and drove Rajput to suicide. Viral videos showcased news anchors making sensationalist accusations and claims against Chakraborty.
Arrest and Aftermath
The relentless animosity culminated in Chakraborty’s arrest three months after Rajput’s death. After a month in custody, she was released and has since embarked on new ventures, including motivational speaking, entrepreneurship with a clothing line and podcast, and participation in a reality TV show.
Chakraborty Speaks Out on Ordeal and Industry Fallout
Chakraborty has openly discussed the severe repercussions of the ordeal, detailing how the vilification and character assassination led to a loss of work opportunities and impacted her family. She recounted attempts to secure roles in the Hindi film industry, only to realize that the scandal had made her unemployable. While acknowledging lingering anger, she emphasized the importance of forgiveness for her personal well-being, hinting at potential future actions against those who defamed her.
Legal Experts Weigh in on Defamation and Justice
Columnist Namita Bhandare highlighted the arduous nature of seeking legal recourse in India for defamation, citing the overburdened judicial system and lengthy case durations. She suggested that any potential apology might come too late after years of litigation. Bhandare argued that Chakraborty became “expendable” in the media’s pursuit of a sensational story due to her perceived lack of influence within Bollywood. She further pointed out how the case reflected traditional biases and the detrimental effects of social media-driven character assassination.
Calls for Accountability and Apologies
Videos of news anchors making defamatory statements against Chakraborty have resurfaced and are being widely circulated online. Numerous individuals, including Bollywood figures, are demanding public apologies from these presenters. Actress Dia Mirza directly called for apologies for the “witch-hunt” and the “anguish and harassment” caused. Journalist Rohini Singh specifically named TV channels and questioned whether they would issue apologies for the slander and lies that led to Chakraborty’s imprisonment. The issue was even raised in parliament, with MP Sagarika Ghosh questioning the media’s character assassination and demanding accountability for the years of humiliation Chakraborty endured.