The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has concluded its investigation into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, submitting a closure report that absolves Rhea Chakraborty and her family of any wrongdoing. According to the agency, there is no evidence to suggest that the late actor was “illegally confined, threatened, or abetted to commit suicide” by Chakraborty or any of the accused.

The report, accessed exclusively by HT, states that Sushant had considered Rhea Chakraborty “part of the family,” and that all expenses related to her during their live-in relationship from April 2019 to June 2020 were made with his knowledge and consent. The CBI also found no evidence to indicate embezzlement or misappropriation of Sushant’s assets.

According to officers familiar with the report, the agency investigated all allegations raised by Sushant’s father, KK Singh, who had accused Rhea and her family of driving the actor to suicide and misusing his funds. Another parallel case filed by Rhea against Sushant’s sisters in Mumbai was also examined by the CBI. The probe had, over time, become one of India’s most widely publicized and polarizing investigations.

Investigation Findings

The closure report highlights several key findings:

1. Timeline of Contact: The investigation confirmed that none of the accused stayed with Sushant between June 8 and June 14, 2020, the period leading up to his death. Rhea and her brother Showik left the actor’s Bandra residence on June 8 and had no further visits. Sushant only contacted Showik via WhatsApp on June 10, and there was no communication with Rhea during that period.
2. Absence of Provocation: No evidence was found indicating that any accused provoked or abetted Sushant to take his life. The report underscores that Sushant’s sister, Meetu Singh, stayed with him from June 8 to June 12, and his manager, Shruti Modi, had ceased visiting the flat following a leg fracture in February 2020.
3. No Confinement or Threats: The CBI ruled out illegal confinement, noting that no credible evidence suggested that Sushant was restrained or threatened by Rhea, her family, or any other person. Alleged threats, such as making Sushant’s medical records public, were classified as hearsay.
4. Financial Allegations: The report clarifies that expenses incurred for Rhea, including a Europe trip in October 2019, were made with Sushant’s knowledge. His flatmate, Sidharth Pithani, confirmed that Sushant regarded Rhea as part of his family. The CBI concluded that these transactions did not constitute criminal misappropriation under Indian law. There was also no evidence that Rhea took any movable property dishonestly from Sushant’s possession; the only items she took upon leaving the house were her personal Apple laptop and wristwatch gifted by Sushant.
5. Oversight of Accounts: The actor’s financial transactions were reportedly managed and monitored by his chartered accountant and lawyer, providing an additional layer of transparency regarding his expenditures.

Family Reaction

Sushant Singh Rajput’s family and legal team have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the closure report, terming it incomplete and insufficient. Advocate Varun Singh, representing the family, criticized the CBI for not submitting supporting documents, including chat records, witness statements, technical evidence, and medical records, alongside the closure report.

“Simply stating that Sushant Singh’s accounts were not used to withdraw funds is inadequate. The agency should have provided bank statements to substantiate this claim. This report appears flimsy and is unlikely to withstand judicial scrutiny,” said Singh.

The family intends to challenge the report in court, emphasizing that the investigation has left multiple questions unanswered.

Wider Context

The Sushant case drew national and political attention, particularly in Bihar, where it was closely followed by the media and public alike. Allegations ranged from financial misappropriation to coercion, and the case further widened to include discussions on drug use and alleged trafficking within the film industry.

As part of the ongoing proceedings, a Patna court is scheduled to examine matters related to the closure report on December 20. The scrutiny will likely include detailed examination of the CBI’s evidence, testimonies, and the objections raised by Sushant’s family.

Conclusion

The CBI’s closure report marks a significant moment in a case that has dominated headlines for several years. While it clears Rhea Chakraborty and other accused individuals of wrongdoing, the dispute is far from over, as the actor’s family has already indicated plans to pursue legal recourse. The coming hearings are expected to shed further light on the closure report and determine the next steps in one of India’s most high-profile investigations.

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