Sushant Singh Rajput death case: The timeline of events and key controversies

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday submitted a closure report on the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, nearly five years after taking over the case. The report was filed in a Mumbai court, officially concluding the high-profile investigation that sparked widespread controversy and speculation.
Sushant, 34, was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020, in what was initially suspected to be a case of suicide. The Mumbai Police began the investigation, but amid growing public pressure and demands from political figures, the case was transferred to the CBI. Over the years, multiple theories emerged, linking his death to foul play, alleged financial mismanagement, and possible links to the death of his former manager, Disha Salian.

Timeline of key events:

Controversies and industry fallout

The case has been a magnet for controversy. Critics of the investigation have long argued that the initial probe was marred by delays and political interference. Sushant’s family has consistently maintained that the circumstances surrounding his death warrant further scrutiny, particularly accusing Rhea Chakraborty of financial exploitation and mismanagement. Conversely, Chakraborty and her supporters have denounced these allegations as part of a broader witch-hunt.
Political parties accused each other of mishandling the case. The Bihar and Maharashtra governments clashed over jurisdiction, while political figures used the case to make allegations against Bollywood’s elite.
Another major point of contention has been the debate over nepotism in Bollywood. Sushant’s struggle to secure roles despite his talent sparked a public discourse on how favouritism within the industry might have contributed to his despair. This discussion further inflamed the case, with political figures and industry veterans weighing in on what they described as systemic issues within Hindi cinema.
The involvement of multiple investigative agencies—ranging from the CBI to the NCB and ED—added layers of complexity to the probe. While forensic teams conclusively ruled out murder, these agencies delved into financial and drug-related aspects.
Another point of contention was the death of Disha Salian, Sushant’s former manager, who died under mysterious circumstances on June 8, 2020, just days before his death. The two cases were often linked in public discourse, further fueling conspiracy theories. Her father recently approached the Bombay high court, seeking further investigation and an FIR against politician Aaditya Thackeray.