4 years ago
New Delhi:
The CBI will take over the investigation into actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death, the Supreme Court ordered today, asking the Mumbai police to hand over all evidence it has collected to the agency.
In a win for Bihar in its tussle with Maharashtra, the Supreme Court also said the FIR registered in Patna based on a complaint filed by Sushant Singh's father was correct and Bihar was competent to ask the CBI to investigate the case. A "fair, competent and impartial probe" is the need of the hour to stop speculation, said the top court.
"Sushant Singh Rajput was a talented actor in the Mumbai film world and died well before his full potential could be realised. His family, friends and admirers are keenly waiting for the outcome of the investigation," the court said, adding that the outcome would be a measure of justice for the actor's father, who lost his only son.
Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14. The Mumbai Police said it was suicide and had been investigating whether he was suffering from depression and had felt slighted by film industry insiders and cliques.
Here the updates on Sushant Singh Rajput case:
Sushant Singh Rajput's Native Village Celebrates Supreme Court Verdict
Citizens of Sushant Singh Rajputs native village Maldiha in Bihar's Purnea district on Wednesday expressed happiness over the Supreme Court's order for a CBI probe into the actors death.
The villagers who were glued to the television since morning to know about the top court's verdict burst with joy after hearing the order. Maldiha village, around 45 km from the district headquarters, is in Bikothi block.
Sushant Singh Rajput's uncle lives with his family in their ancestral home in the village.
The actor's cousin Panna Singh said that top court's decision in the case has come as a good news not only for the village but for the whole country.
"The villagers prayed to God night and day for ensuring justice to Sushant. The family has not overcome the shock it received from his untimely death," Mr Singh said.
Welcome Supreme Court's Decision To Transfer Sushant Singh Rajput's Case To CBI: Ramdas Athawale
Union minister Ramdas Athawale welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to transfer actor Sushant Singh Rajput''s death case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday.
"I welcome the decision of the CBI probe by the Supreme Court and I am confident that now Sushant's family will get justice," said the national president of the Republican Party of India.
Mr Athawale added that the Mumbai Police and the Maharashtra government were unable to conduct a proper investigation and despite the fact that such a long amount of time had passed since the incident the investigation could not reach any decision.
"This was unfortunate. Now justice is being served to Sushant's family," the release said.
Holding that the FIR registered in Bihar's Patna over the death of Sushant Singh Rajput was legitimate, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the case.
Anil Deshmukh Welcomes Supreme Court's Ruling On CBI Probe In Sushant Singh Rajput's Case
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court ruling upholding transfer of the Patna police's FIR in actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case to the CBI.
Mr Deshmukh said the state government, which had earlier opposed a CBI probe in the high-profile case, will extend all cooperation to the central investigating agency.
Without naming the BJP, Deshmukh said leaders of some parties politicised the death issue in view of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled later this year.
The BJP, which had been demanding a CBI probe in the matter, is part of the ruling coalition in Bihar and main opposition in Maharashtra.
Mr Deshmukh also said constitutional experts should now think over the concept of Union of states or federal structure in the Constitution given by Dr BR Ambedkar.
He said it is the state's right to hand over probe in a matter to an agency, but added the Maharashtra government will offer cooperation to the CBI following the top court's order.
Supreme Court Order On Sushant Singh Rajput Death Case Not A Setback: Maharashtra Minister
The Supreme Court order handing over the investigation into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is not a setback, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday.
"It is not a setback. The decision of the Supreme Court has to be obeyed. The higher authorities of our government will take a decision on what has to be done now," Mr Tope told reporters.
This comes after the Supreme Court, earlier today, held that the FIR registered in Bihar's Patna in the matter was legitimate and directed the CBI to investigate the matter. The top court also held that the Bihar government was competent to recommend CBI probe in the matter.
Bihar Leaders Hail Supreme Court's Order In Sushant Singh Rajput's Death Case
Leaders cutting across party lines in Bihar on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court order for a CBI probe in actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case, but the main opposition RJD refused to give credit to the state government for it, saying it acted after "much delay" in registering the case before recommending it for CBI inquiry.
The top court has upheld transfer of an FIR lodged in Sushant Singh Rajput's death case at Patna to the country's premier investigating agency.
Hailing the court's verdict, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said it vindicated Bihar government's lawful action which had nothing to do with politics or elections.
"With today's top court order, it has become amply clear that whatever was done in Bihar was in accordance with the law and Constitutional norms. The order makes it clear that whatever steps we took (in the pursuit of justice) were correct. And I am quite hopeful that justice will now be done in the case," Mr Kumar, who heads the ruling Janata Dal (United), said.
He rubbished allegations that the state government's action was guided by the upcoming polls saying, "I do not take notice of such things as it has nothing to do with politics or elections, rather it is purely related to law and nothing else".
Fair Probe In Sushant Rajput's Death Need Of The Hour, "Satyameva Jayate": Supreme Court
A fair, competent and impartial investigation into the "unnatural death" of talented Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput is the need of the hour, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday.
"When truth meets sunshine, justice will not prevail on the living alone but after Life's fitful fever, now the departed will also sleep well. Satyameva Jayate (Truth alone triumphs)," the top court said.
Dissemination of real facts through unbiased investigation would certainly result in justice for the innocents, who might be the target of vilification campaign, it said.
"Equally importantly, when integrity and credibility of the investigation is discernible, the trust, faith and confidence of the common man in the judicial process will resonate," the court said.
A bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy said Rajput was a talented actor in the Mumbai film world and died well before his full potential could be realised.
His family, friends and admirers are keenly waiting the outcome of the investigation so that all the speculations floating around can be put to rest, the court said.
"Therefore a fair, competent and impartial investigation is the need of the hour. The expected outcome then would be, a measure of justice for the Complainant, who lost his only son," the top court said.
CBI Should Carry Out Proper Probe In Sushant Rajput Case At Earliest: Congress
With the Supreme Court upholding a CBI investigation into the "unnatural death" of Sushant Singh Rajput, the Congress on Wednesday said the agency should carry out a proper probe into the actor's death, and asserted justice will not be delivered by the BJP-JDU making statements for "political gains".
The opposition party also highlighted that the top court, in its ruling, has stated that records of case produced before it, do not "prima facie suggest any wrongdoing by the Mumbai Police".
Congress spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil accused the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government of trying to take political advantage of the issue in view of the upcoming Assembly polls.
Mr Gohil said he was in favour of a Supreme Court-monitored probe in the case and alleged the Bihar government was either unable to put across its point of view properly or it did not want an SC-monitored investigation.
"I demand that the CBI should fulfill its duty and an investigation is completed at the earliest," he said at an online media briefing.
"Justice will not be delivered by the statements being made by BJP- JDU for political gains in view of the assembly polls. There should be a proper investigation in the case," he said.
There were various statements made that the Maharashtra government is not acting properly and about the Mumbai Police, Mr Gohil said.
"The Mumbai police, considered among the good police forces in the world, was abused by the BJP people just because they were opposed to the Congress and Shiv Sena," the Rajya Sabha MP said.
Will Comment After Receiving Supreme Court's Order Copy: Anil Deshmukh On Sushant Singh Rajput Case
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday said that he will comment on the developments in the actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case after receiving the copy of the Supreme Court's order.
"The Supreme Court verdict has come, once we get a copy of the order we will comment on it," Mr Deshmukh said while speaking to media in Mumbai.
Obstruction To Bihar Police Team At Mumbai Gave Rise To Suspicion On Bona Fide Of Inquiry, Says Top Court
Records of the case relating to "unnatural death" of actor Sushant Singh Rajput do not prime facie "suggest any wrong doing" by Mumbai Police, but its "obstruction" to the Bihar Police team could have been avoided as it gave rise to suspicion over the bona fide of the inquiry, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday.
The apex court, "according approval" to the ongoing CBI probe into the FIR registered against actress Rhea Chakraborty and others in connection with Sushant Singh Rajput's death, said that Mumbai Police has not yet lodged an FIR and they are conducting inquiry under section 174 of the CrPC which deals with finding out the apparent cause of the unnatural death.
A bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy noted in the judgement that while Chakraborty''s lawyer has reposed confidence in Mumbai Police, the advocate representing Bihar has claimed that it was "trying to suppress the real facts and not conducting a fair and professional inquiry".
It said Sushant Singh Rajput's father and the Bihar government have alleged that Mumbai Police is "attempting to shield the real culprits under political pressure", while Maharashtra government has strongly refuted it and said that Patna Police has no jurisdiction to investigate the crime when the incident has taken place in Mumbai.
"The records of the case produced before this court, does not prima facie suggest any wrong doing by the Mumbai Police. However, their obstruction to the Bihar police team at Mumbai could have been avoided since it gave rise to suspicion on the bonafide of their inquiry," the bench said.
The verdict came on a plea filed by Rhea Chakraborty who had sought transfer of the FIR lodged against her at Patna to Mumbai.
Supreme Court Respected Sentiments Of Crores Of Peple: Chirag Paswan On Sushant Singh Rajput Case
Expressing gratitude towards the Supreme Court's decision for ordering a CBI probe into the Sushant Singh Rajput death's case, LJP national president Chirag Paswan said that the top court has respected the sentiments of the crores of people of the country.
"I am thankful to the Supreme Court for the way in which they ordered a CBI enquiry into the Sushant Singh Rajput death case. Today, I feel that the Supreme Court has respected the sentiments of crores of people," Mr Paswan said.
"I am hopeful that now the case is in the hands of the CBI, the truth will come out as well as those people would be exposed who tried to mislead the case. I hope that the late actor's family got some peace from this verdict. The truth will now come out sooner," he added.
Bihar Police Chief's Controversial "Aukat" Comment On Rhea ChakrabortyIn a controversial statement celebrating the Supreme Court order today on the Sushant Singh Rajput case, the Bihar police chief declared that Rhea Chakraborty "does not have the aukat (stature)" to comment on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The Bihar government and police have claimed a big win and "vindication" after the Supreme Court ruled that the FIR registered in Patna by Sushant Singh Rajput's family was correct and also upheld the move to hand over the case to the CBI.
"Rhea Chakraborty does not have the aukat to comment on the Bihar Chief Minister. What the police did was correct, and according to legal and constitutional provisions," Bihar's Director General of Police Gupteshwar Pandey told reporters.
He was responding to questions about Rhea Chakraborty referring to Nitish Kumar in her statement to the Supreme Court on politics playing a role in Bihar's investigations into the FIR registered by Sushant Singh Rajput's father and the state's move to hand over the case to the CBI.
"Because of the support that the Bihar Chief Minister gave us, there is hope today for justice for Sushant Singh Rajput. The fight has come to this point because of the Chief Minister's support," Mr Pandey said.
Inconsistencies Into Sushant Singh Rajput's Death Probe Created Wave Of Anger Throughout Country: Jay Panda
JP leader Jay Panda on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court's verdict to handover the probe into the Sushant Singh Rajput's death case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), stating that the late actor had symbolised aspirational India and the apparent inconsistencies in his death have created a wave of anger throughout the country.
"Like some other success stories, Sushant Singh Rajput had symbolised aspirational India that you can come from any part of India and still succeed. The apparent inconsistencies in his death have created a wave of anger throughout the country," Mr Panda told ANI.
Holding that the FIR registered in Bihar's Patna over the death of Sushant Singh Rajput was legitimate, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the case.
The single-judge bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy also said that the Bihar Government was competent to recommend transferring the case to the CBI.
The apex court also asked Mumbai Police to hand over all the evidence collected so far in the case to the CBI. The state of Maharashtra refused the option to challenge the order, Justice Roy said.
The CBI has registered an FIR against Rhea Chakraborty and others in connection with the actor's death after the Centre accepted Bihar Government's recommendation to transfer the probe in the matter from Patna.
An FIR was registered in Patna on a complaint filed by KK Singh, Sushant Singh Rajput's father, under sections related to abetment to suicide. Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14.
"Vindicated": Nitish Kumar To NDTV After CBI Handed Sushant Rajput Case
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the Bihar government has full faith that the family of actor Sushant Singh Rajput will get justice after the Supreme Court allowed the CBI to take over the criminal case filed in Patna against actor Rhea Chakraborty.
"The Supreme Court's order proves that there is no political interference in this matter. We have been vindicated," Mr Kumar told NDTV.
The police in Bihar and Maharashtra had been on a rough patch while investigating the actor's death and allegations against Ms Chakraborty that she cheated Mr Rajput financially and led to his suicide.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the Bihar government has full faith that the family of actor Sushant Singh Rajput will get justice after the Supreme Court allowed the CBI to take over the criminal case filed in Patna against actor Rhea Chakraborty.
"The Supreme Court's order proves that there is no political interference in this matter. We have been vindicated," Mr Kumar told NDTV.
The police in Bihar and Maharashtra had been on a rough patch while investigating the actor's death and allegations against Ms Chakraborty that she cheated Mr Rajput financially and led to his suicide.
"Sushant's Soul Will Now Rest In Peace": Minister
"I'm sure his (Sushant's) soul will now rest in peace that a fair investigation will happen. I also wish to appreciate the courage & perseverance shown by his father & family members that justice is done," Law Minister Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed happiness on CBI order Sushant Singh Rajput death.
"I'm sure his (Sushant's) soul will now rest in peace that a fair investigation will happen. I also wish to appreciate the courage & perseverance shown by his father & family members that justice is done," Law Minister Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
"It's a matter of great moment that SC has transferred the investigation to CBI. I would expect that CBI will now undertake a professional character and conduct a time-bound investigation," he said
"Stand Vindicated": Bihar On Supreme Court Order On Sushant Rajput Case
Minutes after the Supreme Court allowed the CBI to investigate the case into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, filed by his family in Bihar, the state's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted that their stand has been "vindicated".
Minutes after the Supreme Court allowed the CBI to investigate the case into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, filed by his family in Bihar, the state's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted that their stand has been "vindicated".
"We welcome the decision of Supreme Court to allow CBI to continue with its probe of Sushant death case on the basis of FIR filed in Bihar. Our stand vindicated," Mr Modi tweeted.
"Ray Of Hope": Kriti Sanon
Kriti Sanon, who has starred alongside Sushant Rajput, tweeted that Supreme Court order has come up as a ray of hope. "Last 2months have been extremely restless with everything being so blurry. Supreme Court's order to let the CBI investigate Sushant's case is a ray of hope that the truth will finally shine🤞🙏🏻 Lets all have faith, stop speculating & let the CBI do their work now!🙏🏻 #CBIForSSR" Kriti Sanon tweeted. '
Kriti Sanon, who has starred alongside Sushant Rajput, tweeted that Supreme Court order has come up as a ray of hope. "Last 2months have been extremely restless with everything being so blurry. Supreme Court's order to let the CBI investigate Sushant's case is a ray of hope that the truth will finally shine🤞🙏🏻 Lets all have faith, stop speculating & let the CBI do their work now!🙏🏻 #CBIForSSR" Kriti Sanon tweeted. '
Last 2months have been extremely restless with everything being so blurry. Supreme Court's order to let the CBI investigate Sushant's case is a ray of hope that the truth will finally shine🤞🙏🏻 Lets all have faith, stop speculating & let the CBI do their work now!🙏🏻 #CBIForSSR ✊🏻
- Kriti Sanon (@kritisanon) August 19, 2020
"Satyamev Jayate": NCP chief Sharad Pawar's grandnephew
"Satyamev Jayate," NCP chief Sharad Pawar's grandnephew Parth Pawar said on Wednesday after the Supreme Court upheld the transfer of Patna Police's complaint to the CBI.
Parth Pawar, who was publicly censured by the NCP patriarch recently for seeking a CBI probe into the case of Rajput''s death, tweeted the remark, which means truth shall prevail, without making any reference to the case.
He is the elder son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who is the nephew of the party president.
"Satyamev Jayate," NCP chief Sharad Pawar's grandnephew Parth Pawar said on Wednesday after the Supreme Court upheld the transfer of Patna Police's complaint to the CBI.
Parth Pawar, who was publicly censured by the NCP patriarch recently for seeking a CBI probe into the case of Rajput''s death, tweeted the remark, which means truth shall prevail, without making any reference to the case.
He is the elder son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who is the nephew of the party president.
"Maharashtra Government Needs Introspection": Devendra Fadnavis
"A decision that boosts faith in the judiciary system! Maharashtra Government now needs to introspect on the way they handled this case. Now, we expect justice in #SushantSinghRajput case and for his fans," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
"A decision that boosts faith in the judiciary system! Maharashtra Government now needs to introspect on the way they handled this case. Now, we expect justice in #SushantSinghRajput case and for his fans," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
Mumbai Police Was Only Looking To Close Case: Minister
Bihar Minister Sanjay Kumar Jha on Wednesday said Mumbai Police was only looking to close the Sushant Singh Rajput's death cases, adding that people will ensure that the investigation goes into the right hands and the late actor's family get justice.
"What appears is that the Mumbai Police was trying to close the case. It was only after Sushant Singh Rajput's family filed an FIR, a serious probe started. The people wish that the investigation goes into the right hands. We will ensure that the family gets justice," National General Secretary JD(U) Jha told ANI.
Bihar Minister Sanjay Kumar Jha on Wednesday said Mumbai Police was only looking to close the Sushant Singh Rajput's death cases, adding that people will ensure that the investigation goes into the right hands and the late actor's family get justice.
"What appears is that the Mumbai Police was trying to close the case. It was only after Sushant Singh Rajput's family filed an FIR, a serious probe started. The people wish that the investigation goes into the right hands. We will ensure that the family gets justice," National General Secretary JD(U) Jha told ANI.
"Hope Order Brings Relief To Family": Chirag Paswan
Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan, who has long advocated a probe in the case outside Mumbai, said he hopes that order will bring relief for the Sushant Rajput's family.
"Not only the truth will surface now but those name will also come out who were behind disrupting the investigation in the case. I hope the Court's order has brought relief to Sushant Singh Rajput's family," Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan tweeted.
Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan, who has long advocated a probe in the case outside Mumbai, said he hopes that order will bring relief for the Sushant Rajput's family.
"Not only the truth will surface now but those name will also come out who were behind disrupting the investigation in the case. I hope the Court's order has brought relief to Sushant Singh Rajput's family," Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan tweeted.
"May The Truth Always Prevail": Akshay Kumar
"SC directs CBI to investigate Sushant Singh Rajput's death. May the truth always prevail #Prayers," actor Akshay Kumar tweeted.
"SC directs CBI to investigate Sushant Singh Rajput's death. May the truth always prevail #Prayers," actor Akshay Kumar tweeted.
SC directs CBI to investigate Sushant Singh Rajput's death. May the truth always prevail 🙏🏻 #Prayers
- Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) August 19, 2020
"Very Happy": Bihar Police Chief On Supreme Court Decision
"I am very happy. The Supreme Court's order has strengthened the trust people have in the Court and has assured the nation that justice will be delivered in the Sushant Singh Rajput's death case," Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
"I am very happy. The Supreme Court's order has strengthened the trust people have in the Court and has assured the nation that justice will be delivered in the Sushant Singh Rajput's death case," Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Bihar MLA Niraj Singh Reacts To Transfer Of Case To CBI
Bihar MLA Niraj Singh Babloo, who is said to be a relative of Sushant Singh Rajput, said, "Our family thanks the Supreme Court, and all those who were a part of this movement for justice. Now, we are certain that Sushant will get justice."
Bihar MLA Niraj Singh Babloo, who is said to be a relative of Sushant Singh Rajput, said, "Our family thanks the Supreme Court, and all those who were a part of this movement for justice. Now, we are certain that Sushant will get justice."
Our family thanks the Supreme Court, and all those who were a part of this movement for justice. Now, we are certain that Sushant will get justice: Niraj Singh Babloo, Bihar BJP MLA & relative of #SushantSinghRajput pic.twitter.com/rfJiWhoZfJ
- ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2020
Kangana Ranaut Reacts To Supreme Court Verdict
"Humanity wins, congratulations to each one of SSR warriors, first time I felt such strong force of collective consciousness, AMAZING 👏👏👏#CBITakesOver," Kangana Ranaut tweeted.
"Humanity wins, congratulations to each one of SSR warriors, first time I felt such strong force of collective consciousness, AMAZING 👏👏👏#CBITakesOver," Kangana Ranaut tweeted.
Humanity wins, congratulations to each one of SSR warriors, first time I felt such strong force of collective consciousness, AMAZING 👏👏👏#CBITakesOver
- Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) August 19, 2020
Sushant Singh's Sister Reacts To Supreme Court Verdict
Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Shweta Singh Kirti, who had been campaigning for a CBI investigation, tweeted: "Thank you God! You have answered our prayers!! But it is just the beginning... the first step towards the truth! Full faith on CBI!!"
Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Shweta Singh Kirti, who had been campaigning for a CBI investigation, tweeted: "Thank you God! You have answered our prayers!! But it is just the beginning... the first step towards the truth! Full faith on CBI!!"
Thank you God! You have answered our prayers!! But it is just the beginning... the first step towards the truth! Full faith on CBI!! #Victoryoffaith #GlobalPrayersForSSR #Wearefamily #CBITakesOver
- shweta singh kirti (@shwetasinghkirt) August 19, 2020
