Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty has been officially cleared of any involvement in the tragic death of Sushant Singh Rajput, after years of intense media scrutiny, public shaming, and a legal battle. India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has confirmed to a Mumbai court that the actor died by suicide, and neither Chakraborty nor her family had any role in his death.

The Scandal That Rocked Bollywood

In 2020, Chakraborty became the center of a media storm after Rajput’s father accused her of financial misconduct and abetment to suicide. She was branded a “gold digger,” a “murderer,” and was subjected to relentless media trials. Social media trolls labeled her a “witch” and a “fortune hunter,” while TV anchors ran speculative reports accusing her of black magic and drug abuse.

She was arrested and spent 27 days in jail, while her brother, Showik Chakraborty, endured three months of imprisonment before being granted bail.

CBI Clears Rhea Chakraborty

Now, after an exhaustive investigation, the CBI has closed the case, reinforcing that Sushant Singh Rajput died by suicide and that Chakraborty was falsely accused. The case is now awaiting the court’s final decision on whether to dismiss the charges or continue further legal proceedings.

Chakraborty’s lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, criticized the media’s role in vilifying an innocent woman, calling for introspection among news outlets.

“The false narrative in social and electronic media was uncalled for. Innocent people were hounded and paraded before the media. This should never happen again,” he said.

Impact on Rhea Chakraborty’s Career and Life

Despite being cleared, the damage to Chakraborty’s career has been significant. She has spoken about the struggles of finding work in Bollywood, facing isolation from the industry.

“I tried contacting people for roles, any roles. But I realized people wouldn’t cast me because of all that had happened,” she revealed in an interview.

Since then, she has shifted gears, focusing on motivational speaking, launching a clothing line, and hosting a podcast. She recently appeared in a reality TV show, marking a slow comeback into the limelight.

Social Media Calls for Apology

Following the CBI’s announcement, social media users, celebrities, and journalists have demanded public apologies from media houses and TV anchors who vilified Chakraborty.

Bollywood actress Dia Mirza called out media outlets, stating:

“You went on a witch-hunt for TRPs. You caused deep anguish. Apologize. That’s the least you can do.”

Journalist Rohini Singh also questioned whether news channels would take responsibility for slandering an innocent woman.

“If they have any shame, they should issue a groveling apology for spreading lies and getting her imprisoned,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Legal Action Against Defamation?

Although Chakraborty has not publicly addressed the possibility of legal action, many suggest she should sue for damages. However, legal experts note that defamation cases in India can take years to resolve, making it a difficult battle.

Conclusion

Rhea Chakraborty’s vindication highlights the dangers of media trials, online harassment, and misogyny. While she attempts to rebuild her life, the case serves as a cautionary tale about trial by media and the devastating impact of false accusations.

Will the media apologize for its role in her persecution, or will this simply be another chapter in Bollywood’s long history of controversy? Only time will tell.