Sushant Singh Rajput Controversy

Introduction:

Recently, the Bollywood lose a promising, power housing and immensely talented star of this generation named Sushant Singh Rajput, who according to police authorities committed suicide by hanging himself on 14^th June 2020 at his residence in Mumbai’s Bandra.

Subsequent to the demise of the actor of movies like MS Dhoni, Chhichhore, Kai Po Che etc. reports omnipresent in media that death of an actor is not just simply a suicide but an abetment to commit suicide involving several Bollywood celebrities.

The police in its initial investigation revealed that the deceased actor was suffering from depression and was on antidepressants however, in addition no suicide notice was found at home.

Supreme Court paves way for CBI probe

However, there was a tug of war for the investigation of case between the Mumbai and Bihar Police, the Supreme Court on Wednesday, 19^th August paved way for CBI probe way into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case.

While delivering the order, Justice Hrishikesh Roy upheld the Bihar government’s recommendation to transfer the FIR lodged within the sensational death case in Patna to the central probe agency.

Pronouncing its verdict on Rhea Chakraborty’s plea seeking transfer of a FIR filed against her within the late Bollywood actor’s death case from Bihar to Maharashtra, the apex court said that Bihar government is competent to transfer the case to the CBI for investigation. The FIR registered by Bihar Police on the complaint of Sushant’s father Krishna Kishore Singh is correct and therefore the regard to the CBI is lawful.

The late Bollywood actor’s father had filed a case with the Patna Police during which he accused Rhea of abetting his son’s suicide, keeping him in wrongful confinement, and defrauding him of crores of rupees.

Rhea’s transfer petition was opposed by the Bihar government and Sushant’s father.

The FIR also mentions the name of Rhea’s parents Indrajit Chakraborty and Sandhya Chakraborty, brother Showik Chakraborty, and customary friends Samuel Miranda and Shruti Modi.

Bihar Police have booked Rhea and five others under IPC Section 306 (Abetment of suicide), Sec 341 (Punishment for wrongful restraint), Sec 342 (Punishment for wrongful confinement), Sec 380 (Theft in dwelling house), Sec 406 (Punishment for criminal breach of trust), and Sec 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property).

Buoyed with the apex court’s order, Vikas Singh, the lawyer of Sushant Singh Rajput’s father, said that it’s a victory for the aggrieved family. “SC ruled on all points in our favour. The court cited that the FIR registered at Patna was correct,” Singh said.

Meanwhile, Niraj Singh Babloo, Bihar BJP MLA and relative of the deceased actor thanked the apex court for ordering CBI probe into the case.

Sushant was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on Flag Day.

The Centre, which is additionally a celebration within the case, had sought top court’s permission for an investigation into the sensational case by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate. The Centre had ordered a CBI enquiry on Bihar government’s recommendation.

During the sooner hearings, the Bihar government had told the apex court that thanks to “political clout” Mumbai Police didn’t even register a FIR in Sushant’s death case.

Also, Petitioner [Ms. Chakraborty] has no objection if the transfer of investigation to CBI is completed in exercise of powers of the Supreme Court under Article 142 of the Constitution [extraordinary powers of the court to try to complete justice during a case], she had said.

The CBI had successively submitted that there was no active investigation by the Mumbai Police into the death. All the Mumbai Police did was conduct an “on-spot enquiry,” that’s, write the injuries seen on the body.

 ‘Mumbai Police was acting out a “facade” of an investigation without even having registered a FIR’ the statement has been said by the Bihar government in its two-page submissions.

Mr. Rajput’s father said he had gone to the Bihar Police because he was “literally facing the wall” in his efforts to understand the reality about the death of his son.

Maharashtra, in its defence, said Mr. Rajput’s father had never approached the Mumbai Police within the first place. It said a victim or an accused cannot choose the investigating agency or place of investigation.

Reasons behind Supreme Court order for CBI probe

1. Maharashtra police yet to research

The court noted that the Maharashtra police was only conducting a limited inquiry under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) into the explanation for unnatural death of Rajput.

Section 174 of CrPC confers powers on police to enquire into death by suicide and submit a report back to the district magistrate. The Supreme Court said that an inquiry under section 174 is restricted in scope and can’t be equated to a full-fledged investigation. The Mumbai police haven’t registered a FIR or started investigation into the incident.

2. Patna police has jurisdiction to register FIR

Rajput’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty had argued that Bihar police doesn’t have jurisdiction to affect the matter and register a FIR since the incident occurred in Mumbai. The Supreme Court, however, turned this down stating that registration of a FIR is remitted when information on a cognizable offence is received by the police.

“Precedents suggest that at the stage of investigation, it can’t be said that the concerned police headquarters doesn’t have territorial jurisdiction to research the case,” the court said in its judgment.

Moreover, Rajput’s father, whose complaint was the idea for Bihar police to register a FIR, had alleged a criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of cash. the results of the incident would, therefore, arise in Patna also.

“The allegation concerning criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of cash which were to be eventually accounted for in Patna (where the Complainant resides), could clear indicate the lawful jurisdiction of the Patna police,” the court held.

The finding that the FIR by Bihar police was valid clothed to be crucial because the CBI had appropriated the probe supported the request made by Bihar police.

3. Need for an agency thanks to conflict between two state governments

The apex court noted that there’s a conflict between the 2 state governments within the matter and though the steps taken by Mumbai police can’t be faulted, stakeholders have raised allegations of unfair investigation against Mumbai police.

“Because both states are making acrimonious allegations of political interference against one another, the legitimacy of the investigation has come under a cloud. This Court (Supreme Court) must strive to make sure that look for the reality is undertaken by an agency, not controlled by either of the 2 state governments,” the judgment said.

4. Need to avoid uncertainty

The court said that CBI has already registered a case and commenced investigation at the instance of the Bihar government. If Mumbai police also decides to commence probe, then it could increase uncertainty and confusion.

“Uncertainty and confusion must be avoided within the event of Mumbai Police also deciding to simultaneously investigate the offence, supported their findings,” the judgment said.

5. Justice for Rajput’s father and Rhea

The court noted that Rajput was a talented actor within the Mumbai film world who died well before his full potential might be realised. An impartial probe and its outcome will make sure that Rajput’s father and Rhea get justice. Moreover, Rhea herself had involved CBI investigation; the court added.

“His family, friends and admirers are keenly waiting the result of the investigation in order that all the speculations floating around are often put to rest. Therefore, a good, competent and impartial investigation is that the need of the hour,” the court said.

Law invoked by Supreme Court

Article 142 of the Constitution confers wide power on the Supreme Court to pass an order for doing complete justice within the matter before it. it’s invoked to grant reliefs which are beyond the scope of the petition or not sought by the petitioners.

The court invoked Article 142 during this case stating that to make sure public confidence within the investigation and to try to complete justice within the matter, it might be appropriate to exercise the powers conferred by the said article.

Supreme Court’s powers to order CBI probe

As per section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, CBI can investigate a criminal offense only supported the advice of the concerned state which is probing the matter. However, that doesn’t bar constitutional courts (i.e. high courts and Supreme Court) from recommending CBI probe as has been held during a long line of Supreme Court judgments within the past, the court said. No power to transfer investigation from one state to a different during a transfer petition Rhea Chakraborty had filed the transfer petition under section 406 of CrPC seeking transfer of probe from Bihar to Maharashtra. Section 406 confers powers on the Supreme Court to transfer cases from one supreme court to a different or from an inferior court in one state to an inferior court in another state. The Supreme Court held that the supply doesn’t grant power to the highest court to transfer a matter which is merely at the investigation stage from one state to a different.

“Having considered the contour of the facility under section 406 CrPC, it must be concluded that only cases and appeals (not investigation) are often transferred,” the court ruled.

Role of CBI SIT

After handing over the case to the CBI by the Supreme Court of India of the death case of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the CBI and Special Investigation Team (SIT) divided themselves into 3 groups and sent the officials to Mumbai for investigation.

One of them will check out documents and therefore the case diary. The second group will interrogate Rhea Chakraborty, her relations and other accused. The third one will probe the alleged Dubai mafia link with Bollywood.

Deputy military officer (DIG) Suvej Haq had been made the nodal CBI officer to coordinate with the Mumbai Police in getting all the relevant documents concerning the case. The core investigation and interrogation of the accused et al. would be done by the team, led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Nupur Prasad.

Ten Big Questions before CBI

Question 1. Why was no action taken when Rajput’s family had alerted in February that his life might be in danger?

On August 3, Rajput’s father, KK Singh, released a video stating that he had informed Bandra Police (Mumbai) on February 25 that he was worried for his son’s life. To substantiate the claim, the family released transcripts of chats between Rajput’s brother-in-law, OP Singh and Mumbai Police, where it had been mentioned that Sushant’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty’s family had taken the late actor to a resort near the airport, kept him there for 3 months and had been managing his business affairs since. to the present claim, Mumbai Police responded during a statement that, “…no such written complaint has been addressed to Bandra police headquarters thereon date… OP Singh wanted this to be resolved informally to which the then DCP Zone 9 clearly told him that it had been impossible .” it’s left for CBI to now decide if cognizance might be taken of the claim.

Question 2. What came of the probe in Rajput’s former manager, Disha Salian’s, case who died six days before Sushant under mysterious circumstances?

Many are wondering if there’s a link between Rajput and Salian’s death, as both were told off as deaths by suicide, fairly early. On Lammas, when the Bihar Police team reached the Malwani police headquarters in Mumbai seeking details about Salian’s death, they were reportedly informed that the folder having details of Salian’s case has been “deleted by accident” and can’t be retrieved. However, on August 2, Mumbai Police officials denied it, and said that they need everything on record and every one documents are available with them. “…family (Disha’s) has given no complaint against anyone,” said the officials. Will the mystery behind Salian’s death be finally solved to further prove if it had any reference to Rajput’s case?

Question 3. Why is not any one talking about the missing CCTV footage, the duplicate keys, and therefore the 50 SIM cards?

It has been reported widely on various media platforms that the CCTV footage of Rajput’s building from the night before he died isn’t available — whether that’s indeed the case or not has not been clarified. Also, the duplicate keys of his room were allegedly missing, and hence a locksmith had to be called within the morning during the lockdown to interrupt the door open. then it had been reported that the keys were found soon after.

Also, there are reports that the Sushant changed over 50 SIM cards in his phone within the last one month. It remains to be seen if the small print of all those are taken out, and therefore the call history traced. Several within the know of legal and criminal investigative procedures have acknowledged to the ligature mark on his neck not matching with the material used for hanging, and a number of other bruises on his body. of these would bring key potential evidence before the CBI investigators.

Question 4. Are Rajput’s flatmate Siddharth Pithani‘s statements inconsistent with the household staffs?

There are alleged inconsistencies within the statements given by Pithani and what Rajput’s staff members have said. During an interview with news channel Republic TV, while Pithani said he didn’t know anything about the actor’s psychological state, he also admitted to giving him two tablets of some medicine a day. However, Rajput’s bodyguard, on the condition of anonymity, told the channel that he would fetch the “prescription drugs” from the shop, and Chakraborty would give them to Rajput. The late actor’s cook, Neeraj Singh, too, confirmed to the channel that it had been Chakraborty who had been administering medicines to Rajput that led to him being asleep for the foremost a part of the day.

Question 5. How did Rhea manage to rent the foremost expensive lawyer to require her case?

Soon after Rajput’s father filed a FIR in Patna against Rhea Chakraborty, she hired celebrity lawyer, Satish Manshinde, to represent her. However, questions are being raised about how the actor’s hiring of 1 of the foremost famous and expensive criminal lawyers in Mumbai, who had earlier represented Sanjay Dutt within the 1993 Mumbai blast case and Salman Khan within the hit-and-run case. Moreover, the developments of monetary irregularities in Rajput’s statement where Rs 15 crore were transferred from his account have also posed serious doubts. Chakraborty has already been summoned by Enforcement Directorate just in case of cash laundering.

Question 6. Did Rhea resist Bihar Police’s involvement, and was Maharashtra government against CBI probe?

After Rajput’s family filed a FIR in Patna against Rhea for abetment of suicide among other charges, Bihar Police got involved within the investigation and successively, Rhea moved Supreme Court to hunt transfer of FIR lodged in Patna on ground of jurisdiction. Also, Maharashtra Home Minister, Anil Deshmukh said that Mumbai Police is capable of doing the investigation and are getting into right direction and no CBI enquiry is required. Does this reluctance, and therefore the eventual intervention of the Supreme Court make investigation within the case more complicated?

Question 7. Why is that the IPS officer sent from Bihar kept in quarantine?

The news of senior IPS officer Vinay Tiwari being sent to 14-day quarantine by the BMC soon after his arrival in Mumbai on August 2 in Rajput death probe, was received with scepticism by some. Questions were raised that when the Mumbai Police was informed well beforehand about his arrival, why was he put into quarantine? consistent with IANS, the Bihar DGP had alleged that Tiwari was anesthetize confinement in Mumbai on the pretext of quarantine. On August 5, the SC also stated that the incident “has not sent an honest message”. On an equivalent day, a tweet by Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Gupteshwar Pandey claimed that despite a letter from the Patna military officer, the BMC has refused to exempt their IPS officer from being quarantined.

Question 8. Is there political involvement within the case beyond mere suspicion?

Over 50 days within the Rajput death case, quite 50 people are questioned – from former girlfriend, best friends, to family and relatives and members of the film fraternity. However, several questions are raised about the presence of Maharashtra cabinet minister Aditya Thackeray at a celebration attended by Disha Salian just before her death. The charge has since been denied by Thackeray. The reported allegation also stated that the party happened at actor Sooraj Pancholi’s residence, a charge which has since been denied by Pancholi in an interview to India Today.

Question 9. Why was it declared a ‘open and shut’ suicide case within minutes of Rajput’s body was found?

On June 14, when Rajput was found dead in his rented apartment in Bandra, everything appeared to have happened in such a lot of a rush that no-one — including the police, witnesses, hospital authorities — even suspected it might be homicide. Several questions were raised thereafter – why didn’t everyone await forensic reports, why wasn’t Rajput’s room sealed immediately after the police arrived, how could pictures of his body and other details from the space be soon after available on social media?

Question 10. Why are details of Rajput’s medical and treatment reports available within the public domains?

When Chakraborty in her statement to Mumbai Police stated that Rajput was affected by psychological state problems and was on medication, which he had stopped taking for the last few weeks, it had been speculated that he took his life owning to depression. However, soon after his medical reports were shared on social media platforms, then the very fact that antidepressants were found in his room was widely shared on news channels. Recently, Mumbai based therapist, Susan Walker, spoke to journalist Barkha Dutt and claimed that Rajput was her client and was “bipolar and suffered from clinical depression”. This posed an enormous question on the dire need for breach of patient confidentiality, and will become one among the points for a possible investigation into Rajput’s state of psychological state.

Legality of Sections that have been involved in the case

Section 406, Cr.P.C.:

Precedents suggest that transfer of plea under Section 406 CrPC were granted in cases where the Court believed that the trial could also be prejudiced, and fair and impartial proceedings can’t be carried on.

But, in Chander Singh Sagar and Anr. vs. State of Tamil Nadu, (1978) 2 SCC 35, an equivalent plea was negated by the Court.

But, these contrary references don’t in any manner, ask a determination on the question of competence to transfer investigation under Section 406.

Section 174 Cr.P.C.:

Probe under 174 confined to cases of unnatural death. within the present case, the Mumbai police have attempted to stretch the purview of Section 174 without drawing up an FIR and thus, because it appears, no investigation under the commission of a cognizable offence is being administered by the Mumbai police.

Court mentioned Manoj K Sharma vs. State of Chhattisgarh (2016) 9 SCC 1 scrutiny, where Justice MB Lokur said, “The proceedings under Section 174 have a really limited scope. the thing of the proceedings is simply to determine whether an individual has died under suspicious circumstances or an unnatural death and if so what’s the apparent explanation for the death.

Sections 174 and 175 of the CrPC afford an entire Code in itself for the aim of ‘inquiries’ in cases of accidental or suspicious deaths and are entirely distinct from the ‘investigation’ under Section 157 of the CrPC.

The opinion that the investigation on a search under Section 174 is distinct from the investigation as contemplated under Section 154 concerning the commission of a cognizable offence.

In view of that, it’s declared that the enquiry conducted under Section 174 CrPC by the Mumbai police is restricted for a particular purpose but isn’t an investigation of a criminal offense under Section 157 of the CrPC.

Jurisdiction of Patna Police to Register Complaint

Registration of FIR is remitted when information on cognizable offence is received by the police.

The allegation concerning criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of cash which were to be eventually accounted for in Patna (where the complainant resides), could clear indicate the lawful jurisdiction of the Patna police.

It must be held that the Patna police committed no illegality in registering the complaint.

Options Before Mumbai Police

The Mumbai police were investigating the unnatural death of the complainant’s son under Section 174 of the CrPC.

So far, their probe has not resulted in any FIR suggesting commencement of investigation on the criminal aspects, if any.

In the event of a case being registered also in Mumbai, the consent for the investigation by the CBI under Section 6 of the DSPE Act are often competently given by Maharashtra government.

Investigation Entrustment to CBI

As the CBI has already registered a case and commenced investigation at the instance of the Bihar government, uncertainty and confusion must be avoided within the event of Mumbai police also deciding to simultaneously investigate the cognizable offence.

Mentioned State of West Bengal Vs. Sampat Lal (1985) 1 SCC 317 where Justice Ranganath Mishra in his judgment for the three judges Bench said, “Section 6 of the Act doesn’t apply when the Court gives a direction to the CBI to conduct an investigation and counsel for the parties rightly didn’t dispute this position”.

Supreme Court during a deserving case, can invoke Article 142 powers to render justice.

Because both states are making acrimonious allegations of political interference against one another, the legitimacy of the investigation has come under a cloud.

The dissemination of the important facts through unbiased investigation would definitely end in justice for the innocents, who could be the target of vilification campaign.

To ensure public confidence within the investigation and to try to complete justice within the matter, Court considers it appropriate to invoke the powers conferred by Article 142 of the Constitution.

Timeline of Sushant Singh Rajput’s Case from 14^th June 2020 – 16^th September 2020

September 16: The State right Commission (SHRC) has concluded by spelling huge relief for the Maharashtra government in visit to the Cooper Hospital Morgue, Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty was only within the permitted ‘waiting area’, a top official said here on Wednesday.

September 14: A special court that denied bail to actor Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik last week, observed they need been booked under a neighbourhood of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. that doesn’t specify a quantity required to prove the offence. Their bail pleas before the special court within the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) case associated with the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput had pleaded that the alleged quantity of marijuana was below the bar for commercial quantities.

September 11: A special NDPS court rejected the bail applications of Rhea, Showik, Samuel Miranda, Dipesh Sawant, Zaid Vilatra and Abdul Basit

September 9: Rhea was lodged within the Byculla jail after being brought in by NCB officials. an equivalent day, she also moved a bail plea before a sessions court in Mumbai. within the fresh plea, filed by her lawyer Satish Maneshinde, the 28-year-old actress claimed to be innocent.

September 8: The NCB arrested actress Rhea Chakraborty after hard and difficult three-days of grilling to drugs nexus in Bollywood.

September 7: Rhea filed a complaint with Mumbai Police against Sushant’s sister for sending him a fake medical prescription. The case was later transferred to CBI for further investigation.

September 6: Chakraborty’s father Indrajit Chakraborty issued a press release condemning the arrest of his son, Showik, in reference to substance abuse allegations surrounding actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. He further said, “Congratulations India, you’ve got arrested my son, I’m sure next on the road is my daughter and that i do not know who is next thereafter. you’ve got effectively demolished a middle-class family. But in fact , for the sake of justice, everything is justified. Jai Hind”.

September 5: A Mumbai court sent Rhea Chakraborty’s brother Showik and Sushant’s house manager Samuel Miranda to four days’ NCB custody till September 9 and The Narcotics Control Bureau arrested Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s personal staff Dipesh Sawant during a drug-related case.

September 2: Rhea Chakraborty’s father was questioned by the CBI for the second consecutive day in reference to the death case and was interrogated for approximately 10 hours by the officials.

September 1: The Enforcement Directorate continued questioning Goa-based hotelier Gaurav Arya in reference to the money-laundering probe associated with the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

August 31: A team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) once more visited the flat lately actor Sushant Singh Rajput, while another team continued grilling Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik and Sushant’s former manager Shruti Modi.

August 30: Rhea Chakraborty questioned by the CBI’s Special Investigation for eight hours, on issues including the medical treatment and medicines administered to Sushant Singh Rajput and mention of medicine in her chats.

August 29: The CBI’s Special Investigation Team questioned Rhea Chakraborty for over seven hours.

August 28: ED officials summoned Goa-based hotelier Gaurav Arya in an investigation associated with a concealment case linked to deceased actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty.

August 28: Amid startling revelations in her media interviews, Rhea Chakraborty appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation for the primary time.

August 27: The CBI summoned Showik for a grilling session.

August 27: Rhea Chakraborty requested Mumbai Police to supply protection to her and her family, saying there’s threat to their lives.

August 27: KK Singh, during a video, said that Rhea Chakraborty was giving poison to his son and was his murderer.

August 26: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) registered an NDPS case against Rhea and two others on the idea of an ED request to probe the drug angle within the Sushant death case.

August 26: Kangana Ranaut has claimed that if the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) starts investigation, many A-listers could find yourself behind bars.

“If NCB enters Bollywood, plenty of listers will be going to be behind the bars, many shocking revelations will happen if blood tests are conducted. She also addresses that hope under swatchh Bharat mission cleanses the gutter called Bollywood,” she said the statement on twitter.

August 26: ED summoned talent manager Jaya Saha in connection to the cash laundering probe into the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

August 25: Widening into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, SIT of the CBI started interrogating his accountant Sandeep Sridhar alongside his flatmate Siddharth Pithani and cook Neeraj Singh.

August 24: After the visit of CBI to the Cooper Hospital, where the autopsy of the actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s was done, the doctors concerned on various points which lead to continuation to quiz the actor’s flatmate Siddharth Pithani and his cook Neeraj Singh.

August 24: Again, questioning was done to the Siddharth Pithani, Neeraj Singh about the stay of Waterstone resort, where he stayed for 2 months.

August 23: The CBI team took the late actor’s personal staff back to his flat in Bandra for further questioning and to recreate the crime scene again.

August 22: The Special Investigation Team of the CBI probing reached the Bandra flat of the late actor, alongside the forensic team and his flatmate Siddharth Pithani and cook Neeraj Singh.

August 21: ED recorded the statement of Sushant’s sister Priyanka Singh in reference to its probe into the cash laundering aspect within the matter.

August 19: Filmmaker Rumi Jafry was summoned for questioning.

August 19: The Supreme Court orders CBI inquiry into Sushant Singh Rajput Death case.

August 18: ED recorded the statement of KK Singh in reference to its probe into concealment aspects of the Bollywood actor’s suicide.

August 15: ED questioned Sushant’s personal staff, including his domestic, in reference to a concealment case.

August 11: The Enforcement Directorate questioned for the third time with the Former Manager Shruti Modi.

August 11: Siddharth Pithani, who was Sushant’s flatmate, once more deposed before the ED.

August 10: Rhea Chakraborty moved a fresh plea within the Supreme Court, complaining that the media was unfairly holding an attempt and pronouncing her guilty.

August 10: Rhea Chakraborty, Showik and Indrajit Chakraborty deposed before the Enforcement Directorate for questioning during a concealment probe.

August 9: Continuing its probe, ED grilled Showik Chakraborty for the second time in reference to their financial transactions.

August 7: ED questioned Rhea, Showik, her accountant Ritesh Shah and her former manager Shruti Modi for over eight hours in reference to the cash laundering probe.

August 6: The CBI has charged Rhea, Indrajit Chakraborty (her father), Sandhya Chakraborty (her mother), Showik Chakraborty (her brother), Samuel Miranda, Shruti Modi and unknown others in its FIR. They were charged under various sections of the Indian legal code including abetment of suicide, criminal conspiracy, wrongful restraint/confinement, theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating and other offences.

August 5: ED summoned Samuel Miranda, the house manager lately actor, for questioning.

August 5: During a big development, lawman Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that the Union of India in theory accepted the advice by Bihar government to order a CBI inquiry into the case.

August 4: The recommendation was given by Bihar government for the CBI investigation into the case.

August 4: During a statement, former Maharashtra CM Narayan Rane alleged that Sushant and his former manager Disha Salian were ‘murdered’.

August 3: An ED team reached the residence of accountant Sandeep Sridhar, the long-time accountant of Sushant.

August 3: Bihar Police IPS officer Vinay Tiwari quarantined by the BMC hours after he arrived within the city to expedite the investigation.

August 1: Sushant’s sister Shweta Singh Kirti penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to intervene within the case.

August 1: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray slammed the stress for a CBI probe by the Opposition and a few Bollywood personalities.

July 31: during a video, actress Rhea Chakraborty addressed the allegations against her over the death of Sushant.

July 31: during a major development, the Enforcement Directorate filed a case of cash laundering over transactions worth Rs 15 crore associated with the alleged suicide of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

July 31: The Bihar Police recorded the statement of actress Ankita Lokhande.

July 30: Rhea told the Supreme Court that she has been falsely implicated within the FIR registered against her in Bihar by Sushant’s father.

July 30: The ED came into action, asking details from Bihar police about the case.

July 30: The SC rejected to deal with PIL asking CBI probe into the death of the suicide case

July 29: The Bihar Police team, recorded the statement of Meetu Singh.

July 29: After Sushant’s father lodged a FIR against Rhea in Patna, the actress moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the investigation to Mumbai.

July 29: Sushant’s father KK Singh filed a FIR within the Rajiv Nagar police headquarters in Patna accusing six people, including actress Rhea Chakraborty, for abetment to suicide.

July 28: Mumbai Police recorded the statement of Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, the assembly house of Karan Johar, as a part of their investigation within the Sushant Singh Rajput death case.

July 27: Mumbai Police recorded the statement of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt as a part of their investigation.

July 24: Sushant’s last film Dil Bechaara released on Disney+ Hotstar.

July 22: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande and Shekhar Suman were among celebrities who joined fans to require part within the Candle4SSR online protest.

July 18: Mumbai Police recorded the statement of Yash Raj Films head Aditya Chopra as a part of their investigation.

July 16: Rhea Chakraborty requested Home Minister Amit Shah for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) enquiry into the late actor’s death.

July 14: For the primary time since Sushant’s demise, Rhea took to Instagram to precise her state of mind and emotions through a moving note.

“Still fighting with the emotions of mine…non-replaceable vacuum in my heart. you’re the one who made me believe love, the facility of it. You taught me how an easy mathematical equation can decipher the meaning of life and that i promise you that I learnt from you each day. i will be able to never come to terms with you not being here anymore,” she wrote on Instagram.

July 11: Mumbai Police recorded the statement of Salman Khan’s former manager Reshma Shetty in reference to the case.

July 6: As per reports, Bhansali approached Sushant for several of his films therefore, Mumbai Police recorded the statement of the director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

July 4: CBI inquiry has been demanded by the Sushant Singh Raput’s father Mr. KK Singh

June 28: Casting director Shanoo Sharma questioned by the police in reference to the case.

June 25: BJP MP Roopa Ganguly demanded a CBI probe into the matter. She suspected evil within the ongoing investigation.

June 25: Shekhar Suman tweeted about the case in favour of Sushant Singh Rajput.

June 24: Mumbai Police received the ultimate post-mortem report signed by a team of 5 doctors. “No struggle marks or external injuries” were found within the actor’s body, suggests his post-mortem report.

June 22: Several organisations and political parties demanded an investigation into the Sushant Singh Rajput’s case.

June 22: Lok Janshakti Party national president Chirag Paswan demanded a good probe into the death case. He wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray stating that the late actor was the pride of Bihar and therefore the entire state is seeking justice for him.

June 19: During a new twist within the probe, the Mumbai Police sought details of contracts from Yash Raj Films for a minimum of two movies Sushant had signed with them.

June 19: Over the social media in the streets of Bihar the demand for justice for the late actor spilled. Jan Adhikar Students’ Council’s leaders burnt the effigies of various Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Karan Johar etc.

June 18: Actress Rhea Chakraborty received Bandra police headquarters to record her statement with regard to the death case.

June 18: Sushant’s ashes were immersed within the holy river Ganga in his hometown Patna in Bihar. The ashes of the later actor were immersed within the Ganga near Dighaghat in Patna, where the ashes of his late mother were immersed.

June 16: Judicial probe into the case, alleging a deep-rooted conspiracy behind the actor’s death has been demanded by BJP MP Nishikant Dubeya

June 16: Sushant’s former girlfriend Ankita Lokhande visited the late actor’s residence in Bandra to satisfy his family. Ankita was during a relationship with Sushant for nearly six years until 2016, and videos and pictures of the actress entering his were doing the rounds of social media.

June 15: At Pawan Hans crematorium, Vile Parle Sushant’s last rites were concluded. His father and two sisters arrived from the actor’s hometown Patna, while a couple of his colleagues and friends from Bollywood and therefore the television industry was also present.

June 15: To label Sushant as a “mentally weak” person has been refused by the actress Kangana Ranaut. Kangana said: “He was a rank holder. How can his mind be weak? If you check out his previous couple of posts, he’s clearly saying, literally begging, ‘Watch my films. I even have no Godfather. I will be able to be taken out of the industry’. It has also expressed in his interviews that why industry is not accepting him? So, is there no foundation of this incident?”

June 15: Sushant’s brother-in-law O.P. Singh, who is that the Additional Director General of Police and posted as Special Officer within the Haryana Chief Minister’s Office, suspected some evil within the crime. He seeked a radical probe into the incident.

June 14: The actor’s body was found in his apartment in Bandra on a Sunday morning and a domestic alerted the police. The actor was known for his performances in films like Kai Po Che MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Shudh Desi Romance, Kedarnath and Chhichhore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many political leaders and many celebrities expresses their grief for the actor.

Conclusion

Sushant Singh Rajput was an excellent actor, and within the partisan (and parochial) movie industry for many years to return he are going to be remembered as an “Outsider Superstar”. If Sushant was Caesar of his time, the movie industry visited him like Brutus. Sushant will still sleep in our hearts as someone who preferred to measure beyond the realms of nepotism and cronyism.

Sushant’s death may be a warning call for all folks, as members of civil society, to understand that “mental health” is as significant as “physical heath” and “emotional well-being” is as vital as “material well-being”. we’d like to create a worth system where estimation of success isn’t measured solitarily in terms of IQ (Intelligence Quotient) but in terms of blend of both IQ and EQ (Emotional Quotient). No doubt, psychological state jurisprudence in India isn’t much developed because the psychological state Care Act, 2017 (MHCA) neither defines nor provides for “depression”, “clinical depression” or “stress”, and it only concentrates on the

excellence between “mental illness” and “mental retardation”. However, of all the chances the sole positive legislative move seems to be the decriminalization of plan to suicide (Section 309 of the IPC) by virtue of Sub-section (1) of Section 115 of the MHCA.

Lastly, thus far as fate of Sushant’s case (abetment to commit suicide) cares, it’s too early to comment anything much because the matter remains pending investigation and therefore the alleged abettors are still to face police interrogation. However, clear, if we apply the principles of law that govern conviction in offences of abetment to kill, namely,

Even if any acts or words uttered by the alleged abettors or their conduct are sufficient to demean or humiliate the deceased and even to drive the deceased to suicide, such acts won’t amount to instigation or abetment of commission of suicide, unless it’s established that the alleged abettors intended by their acts that the deceased must commit suicide; and, it is not enough if the acts of the alleged abettors cause persuasion within the mind of the deceased to kill.

It seems that alleged abettors might also be acquitted, because the alleged abettors may need wanted to oust Sushant from Bollywood and/ or end his career, but won’t have “intended” to drive him to the purpose of no return. Investigation and trial within the matter will soon, in times to return, remove the “might and might not” and truth will begin in blaze. Rest, for all that matters within the end is, “justice be done though heavens fall”.

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