The family of Sushant Singh Rajput is set to challenge the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) closure report, deeming it "flimsy" and an "eyewash". The CBI submitted its closure report in March 2025, nearly five years after Rajput's death, concluding that he died by suicide and ruling out any foul play.
Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020. While the initial investigation by the Mumbai Police suggested suicide, Rajput's father, K.K. Singh, filed a First Information Report (FIR) in Patna, accusing Rhea Chakraborty and her family of abetment to suicide, financial misconduct, and emotional distress. Chakraborty denied these allegations and filed a counter-complaint against Rajput's sisters.
Amidst mounting public pressure and political debate, the case was transferred to the CBI in August 2020. The CBI conducted an extensive inquiry, including forensic assessments, electronic evidence analysis, and witness testimonies. Forensic experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) corroborated the suicide conclusion, dismissing murder theories. The CBI's closure report cleared Rhea Chakraborty, her family, and Rajput's sisters of any involvement in his death. The report stated there was no evidence suggesting Rajput was illegally confined, threatened, or provoked to commit suicide, nor was there evidence of embezzlement by Chakraborty. It further noted that Chakraborty and her brother had left Rajput's residence on June 8, 2020, and had no contact with him between then and his death on June 14, 2020. The CBI also stated that Rajput considered Rhea "family".
Despite the CBI's findings, Rajput's family remains unconvinced and plans to challenge the closure report in court. Their lawyer, Varun Singh, described the report as "an incomplete document". The family's decision underscores their persistent belief that Rajput's death was not a simple case of suicide. They allege the CBI's investigation was inadequate and failed to address key aspects of the case.
The case has had a far-reaching impact, sparking discussions about mental health, the pressures of celebrity life, and media trials. Chakraborty and her brother were arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on drug-related charges, but she was later granted bail. The Bombay High Court acknowledged there was no substantial evidence of her financing or facilitating drug consumption.
The court will now decide whether to accept the CBI’s report or order further investigation. The next hearing is scheduled in Patna on December 20.
