CBI closes investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's death; Ex-Bihar DGP questions Mumbai police's role

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted a closure report on Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case, nearly five years after his passing, sources confirmed on Saturday. The report has been filed in a Mumbai court, bringing an end to the high-profile investigation that had gripped the nation.

Reacting to the development, former Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Gupteshwar Pandey reiterated his concerns over the initial handling of the case by the Mumbai Police. He claimed their actions created ‘suspicion’ in the minds of the public and raised questions about the transparency of the investigation.

Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020. His postmortem, conducted at Mumbai’s Cooper Hospital, cited asphyxia as the cause of death. However, the case quickly turned controversial, sparking widespread debates, protests, and demands for justice. Amid allegations of foul play, the investigation was transferred from the Mumbai Police to the CBI.

Pandey, speaking to ANI, alleged that the Mumbai Police had not cooperated with the Bihar Police when a team was sent to investigate after Sushant’s father filed a case in Patna. He further claimed that an IPS officer sent to coordinate the probe was quarantined, and the Bihar team was forced to return after just five days.

“When the news of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death broke, the matter seemed to settle in 20 days. Later, his father filed a case in Patna, and we sent a team to investigate, but Maharashtra Police did not cooperate. I sent an IPS officer to ensure better coordination, but he was quarantined. Such actions raised suspicions across the country,” Pandey said.

While refraining from commenting on the CBI’s closure report, Pandey acknowledged the agency’s professionalism but hinted at possible gaps in evidence collection. “There is always a possibility that some evidence was missed or even destroyed. I never claimed Sushant was murdered, only that his death was suspicious and required a fair probe,” he added.

The actor’s untimely demise led to nationwide debates on nepotism in Bollywood, media trials, and allegations of foul play. Despite the extensive investigation, the CBI has now concluded its probe, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to suggest any criminal act.

With the closure of the case, the focus now shifts to public reactions and whether the findings will be accepted by those who have long demanded ‘justice’ for the late actor.