MUMBAI: After a long wait, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a closure report in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, concluding it as a suicide and ruling out foul play. This ends a nearly five-year probe into the Bollywood star’s death. Rajput, 34, was found hanging at his Bandra apartment on June 14, 2020, a tragedy that shocked the nation and sparked widespread speculation.

The CBI took over the case from Bihar Police, who initially registered an abetment to suicide case based on a complaint by Rajput’s father, K.K. Singh. The complaint alleged that actress Rhea Chakraborty, Sushant’s then-girlfriend, and her family had financially exploited him and contributed to his mental distress. Forensic experts at AIIMS later dismissed claims of poisoning or strangulation, providing a conclusive medico-legal opinion to the CBI that supported the suicide theory.

The investigation involved extensive questioning of over 20 individuals, including Rhea, her family, Sushant’s sisters, and members of his close circle. The CBI also reviewed Sushant’s medical records, which indicated a history of mental health issues. Despite allegations of financial misappropriation, the agency found no evidence to substantiate these claims.

The closure report clears all individuals named in the FIRs, including Rhea, her family, and Sushant’s sisters. The findings align with The All India Institute of Medical Sciences's (AIIMS) forensic analysis, which ruled out abetment to suicide or any criminal involvement. This conclusion has brought relief to those accused, particularly Rhea, who faced intense media scrutiny and public vilification.

Rhea’s lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, expressed gratitude to the CBI for conducting a thorough and impartial investigation. He criticized the false narratives propagated by certain media outlets, which he said had caused immense hardship for Rhea and her family. Rhea herself endured 27 days in jail during the investigation, a period her lawyer described as “inhumane treatment.”

The CBI has submitted its findings before a special court in Mumbai which is set to review the closure report on April 8, marking the final step in officially closing the case. While the CBI remained silent for much of the investigation, reports as early as October had hinted at AIIMS dismissing the murder theory, paving the way for the current conclusion.