Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, who became the focus of intense media scrutiny following the tragic death of her boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput, in June 2020, has finally been cleared of all allegations. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly given her a clean chit, concluding that Sushant died by suicide and that no foul play was involved.
The Beginning: Love and Business Partnership
Rhea and Sushant began dating in April 2019, and their relationship soon extended into professional collaboration. In September 2019, they co-founded an artificial intelligence startup, Vividrage Rhealityx, along with Rhea’s brother, Showik Chakraborty. By December 2019, the couple moved in together, signaling a deeper commitment.
Tragic Loss: Sushant’s Sudden Death
On June 14, 2020, the film industry and fans across the nation were left in shock when Sushant was found dead in his Mumbai apartment. Initial reports suggested suicide, and speculation surrounding his demise quickly took over news headlines. Rhea, who had been living with him, had reportedly moved out a week before his death.
Legal Turmoil: FIR Against Rhea
A month after Sushant’s death, on July 25, 2020, his father, KK Singh, filed an FIR in Patna, accusing Rhea of abetment to suicide, financial fraud, wrongful confinement, and criminal breach of trust. The case alleged that ₹15 crore had been siphoned from Sushant’s accounts.
Multi-Agency Probe: ED, CBI, and NCB Investigations
Several agencies became involved in the case, turning it into one of Bollywood’s most high-profile investigations.
- August 7, 2020: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned Rhea and Showik over money laundering allegations.
- August 19, 2020: The Supreme Court transferred the investigation to the CBI.
- Parallel Drug Probe: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) launched a separate investigation into alleged drug links in Bollywood, implicating Rhea.
Rhea’s Counter FIR
Amid mounting allegations, Rhea filed an FIR on September 7, 2020, against Sushant’s sisters, Priyanka and Meetu Singh, along with a doctor. She claimed they had obtained a fake medical prescription for Sushant without proper consultation, just days before his death.
Arrest and Jail Time
The situation worsened for Rhea when the NCB arrested her on September 8, 2020, accusing her of procuring drugs for Sushant. She was charged under the NDPS Act and spent 28 days in Byculla jail before the Bombay High Court granted her bail on October 7, 2020.
Legal Developments and Court Rulings
- February 2021: The Bombay High Court dismissed the FIR against Meetu Singh but allowed the CBI to continue its probe against Priyanka Singh.
- March 2021: The NCB filed a charge sheet against Rhea, Showik, and others in connection with drug-related allegations.
Closure and Remembering Sushant
With the CBI’s latest findings clearing Rhea of any wrongdoing, the case has reached a turning point. The industry and fans continue to remember Sushant Singh Rajput for his remarkable work in films, with tributes pouring in from colleagues like Sara Ali Khan and Ankita Lokhande.
