CBI ends investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, rules out foul play

More than four years after the sudden demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially closed its probe, ruling out any foul play in his death. The final closure report, submitted before a special court in Mumbai, effectively clears actress Rhea Chakraborty and her family of allegations of abetment to suicide and financial misappropriation, claims that were initially raised by Rajput’s family.

What Led to the CBI’s Closure of the Sushant Singh Rajput Death Case?

Rajput, who was 34 at the time of his death, was found hanging in his Bandra apartment in Mumbai on June 14, 2020. His passing led to widespread speculation, with numerous conspiracy theories surfacing about nepotism in Bollywood, alleged professional rivalries, and the role of close associates in his personal and financial matters.

How Did the Investigation Unfold Over the Years?

The case initially came under the purview of the Mumbai police, which conducted a preliminary investigation and found no evidence of foul play. However, the narrative took a significant turn when Rajput’s father, K.K. Singh, lodged a formal complaint with the Bihar police in July 2020, accusing Rhea Chakraborty and her family of pushing his son into depression and embezzling ₹15 crore from his accounts. The Bihar police’s involvement sparked jurisdictional conflicts, eventually leading to the case being handed over to the CBI.

Once the CBI took charge, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to reexamine all aspects of the actor’s death. The agency delved into multiple theories, including abetment to suicide, financial fraud, and potential external pressures influencing Rajput’s mental health. The investigation also saw the involvement of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), with the latter probing a drug-related angle that surfaced during the inquiry.

What Did the Forensic and Technical Evidence Reveal?

The CBI’s findings were heavily influenced by a forensic examination conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. In September 2020, AIIMS submitted its report, ruling out murder and concluding that Rajput died by suicide due to asphyxia caused by hanging. The report explicitly stated that no external injuries or struggle marks were found on his body, nor was there any evidence of forced entry or foul play in his residence.

Beyond forensic analysis, the agency sought technical evidence to strengthen its conclusions. In 2021, CBI formally requested data from tech giants Google and Facebook, seeking access to Rajput’s deleted messages, emails, and social media posts. However, the retrieved data did not indicate anything suspicious or inconsistent with the suicide theory.

Additionally, advanced mobile forensic technology was employed to analyze call records and cell tower dumps. Despite scrutinizing numerous conversations and interactions, investigators did not uncover any compelling evidence pointing to coercion, blackmail, or external involvement leading to Rajput’s death.

Why Were Rhea Chakraborty and Her Family Cleared of Allegations?

One of the most contentious aspects of the case revolved around allegations against actress Rhea Chakraborty, who was Rajput’s girlfriend at the time. Accused by the actor’s family of financial fraud and abetment to suicide, she faced extensive public scrutiny and was even briefly arrested in a separate drug-related probe linked to the case.

The CBI’s final report, however, dismissed all accusations against her. Officials stated that there was no credible evidence to support claims that Chakraborty manipulated Rajput financially or mentally. The agency found no irregularities in Rajput’s bank transactions, debunking allegations that ₹15 crore had been siphoned off.

A counter-complaint filed by Chakraborty in September 2020 against Rajput’s sister Priyanka Singh and a Delhi-based doctor was also investigated. She alleged that they had facilitated the acquisition of psychiatric medication for Rajput without proper consultation, based on a forged prescription. However, the CBI found no significant grounds to pursue this claim further.

How Did the Public and Film Industry React to the Investigation?

Rajput’s death sent shockwaves across India, sparking debates about mental health, nepotism, and the pressures faced by outsiders in Bollywood. The case fueled intense media coverage, with several high-profile figures weighing in on the matter. Calls for justice became a social media movement, leading to demands for an independent inquiry.

However, with the CBI now officially closing the case, reactions remain divided. While some believe that the final verdict puts to rest the speculation and misinformation surrounding Rajput’s death, others, including some of the actor’s fans and family members, continue to express skepticism over the findings.

Despite the closure of the CBI’s probe, Rajput’s legacy continues to be celebrated by his admirers, with tributes pouring in on anniversaries of his birth and passing. The controversy surrounding his death also led to increased awareness of mental health issues in the entertainment industry, prompting discussions about support mechanisms for actors facing emotional distress.

What Are the Key Takeaways from the CBI’s Investigation?

The CBI’s investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput‘s death represents one of the most high-profile probes in recent Indian history, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, forensic experts, and global technology firms. While the closure report conclusively rules out murder, the prolonged inquiry highlighted deeper concerns about mental health awareness, media sensationalism, and the responsibility of law enforcement agencies in handling sensitive cases.

The findings ultimately reinforce the original assessment that Rajput took his own life, bringing an end to years of speculation and legal proceedings. However, the larger conversation surrounding mental health struggles in high-pressure industries remains ongoing, with Rajput’s case serving as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by public figures in the spotlight.