Death of Sushant Singh Rajput: Difference between revisions

{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}

 

| date = {{Start date|2020|6|14|df=yes}}

On 14 June 2020, Indian actor [[Sushant Singh Rajput]] was found dead, [[hanging]] from the [[ceiling fan]] at his home in [[Bandra]], Mumbai. The cause of death was ruled to have been [[suicide]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arora |first=Priya |date=14 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput, Bollywood Star, Dies at 34 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/world/asia/sushant-singh-rajput-death.html |url-status=live |access-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629163128/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/world/asia/sushant-singh-rajput-death.html/ |archive-date=29 June 2020 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the official postmortem reports concluded that Rajput died of [[asphyxia]] due to hanging.<ref name="WeekFinalAutopsy24June">{{Cite web |date=24 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's final autopsy report confirms suicide; rules out foul play |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/06/24/sushant-singh-rajputs-final-autopsy-report-confirms-suicide-rules-out-foul-play.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811000748/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/06/24/sushant-singh-rajputs-final-autopsy-report-confirms-suicide-rules-out-foul-play.html |archive-date=11 August 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=The Week}}</ref> The [[Mumbai Police]] launched an investigation into the death, which was the subject of widespread speculation and rumours.<ref name="Detailed timeline">{{Cite web |last=Roy, Srijoni |date=2 July 2020 |title=A Detailed Timeline of the Police Investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's Suicide |url=https://www.idiva.com/news-opinion/news/timeline-of-sushant-singh-rajputs-suicide-case/18010964 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817102726/https://www.idiva.com/news-opinion/news/timeline-of-sushant-singh-rajputs-suicide-case/18010964 |archive-date=17 August 2020 |access-date=26 August 2020 |website=[[Times Internet|iDiva]] |quote=Mumbai Police started an investigation into a death surrounded by multitude of rumours and speculation.}}</ref><ref name="Bollywood tragedy">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/03/world/asia/india-bollywood-sushant-singh-rajput.html |title=Despite Crises, India Fixes Its Gaze on a Bollywood Tragedy |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=3 October 2020 |access-date=5 October 2020 |author=Bhagat, Shalini Venugopal |archive-date=4 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004221252/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/03/world/asia/india-bollywood-sushant-singh-rajput.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

A week prior to his suicide, Rajput had searched on the [[Internet]] three subjects multiple times: Disha Salian, his former manager who had died about a week before him; news reports containing his own name; and information about a mental illness.<ref name="IEGoogleSearch3Aug">{{Cite web |last=Thaver |first=Mohamed |date=3 August 2020 |title=Before suicide, Sushant Singh Rajput's Google search: his name, manager, illness |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/before-suicide-sushant-singh-rajputs-google-search-his-name-manager-illness-6536412/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804013905/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/before-suicide-sushant-singh-rajputs-google-search-his-name-manager-illness-6536412/ |archive-date=4 August 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

On 13 June 2020, the night before his death, Rajput retired to his bedroom after dinner. At around 2 a.m. on Sunday, 14 June he made two phone calls, one to Bollywood actress [[Rhea Chakraborty]] and another to television actor [[Mahesh Shetty]]. Neither call was answered. Rajput then woke up early that morning.<ref name="DNADidNotParty31July">{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=Exclusive: Sushant Singh Rajput did not party at home or go outside on June 13, househelp tells Bihar Police |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-exclusive-sushant-singh-rajput-did-not-party-at-home-or-go-outside-on-june-13-househelp-tells-bihar-police-2835054 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801221727/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-exclusive-sushant-singh-rajput-did-not-party-at-home-or-go-outside-on-june-13-househelp-tells-bihar-police-2835054 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=DNA India}}</ref> Some time after, he googled information about "[[schizophrenia]]", "[[bipolar disorder]]" and "painless death".<ref name="ITGoogled3Aug">{{Cite web |last=Chawla |first=Medha |date=3 August 2020 |title=What Sushant Singh Rajput Googled before his death: Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, painless death |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/what-sushant-singh-rajput-googled-before-his-death-schizophrenia-bipolar-disorder-painless-death-1707271-2020-08-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822015124/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/what-sushant-singh-rajput-googled-before-his-death-schizophrenia-bipolar-disorder-painless-death-1707271-2020-08-03 |archive-date=22 August 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020 |website=India Today}}</ref>

Two of Rajput's friends were living with him. In the morning of 14 June, he spoke to his sister over the telephone at around 9 a.m. and an hour later he had a glass of juice and his tablets. At around 11:30&nbsp;a.m., his cook knocked several times on the door of his room, to confirm the menu for the day. He and Rajput's friends received no response. They then called a key-maker to open the door, following which they called Rajput's sister and the police. He was found hanging from the [[ceiling fan]]. No [[suicide note]] was recovered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 June 2020 |title=Post-mortem report confirms Sushant Singh Rajput died due to asphyxia |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sushant-singh-rajput-was-undergoing-treatment-for-depression-mumbai-police/articleshow/76382566.cms |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711015345/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sushant-singh-rajput-was-undergoing-treatment-for-depression-mumbai-police/articleshow/76382566.cms |archive-date=11 July 2020}}</ref>

''[[The Indian Express]]'' reported that the Mumbai Police said the actor had shown symptoms of [[clinical depression]] and was consulting a psychiatrist.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput showed signs of clinical depression, sought counselling: Police |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/sushant-singh-rajput-showed-signs-of-clinical-depression-sought-counselling-police-6460482/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630150848/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/sushant-singh-rajput-showed-signs-of-clinical-depression-sought-counselling-police-6460482/ |archive-date=30 June 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> [[Times Now]] reported that medical papers and [[Antidepressant|anti-depressant pills]] were found in his house.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's death: Anti-depression medicines found from actor's house; family demands CBI probe |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/sushant-singh-rajput-s-death-anti-depression-medicines-found-from-actor-s-house-mumbai-police-investigating/606377 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614223222/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/sushant-singh-rajput-s-death-anti-depression-medicines-found-from-actor-s-house-mumbai-police-investigating/606377 |archive-date=14 June 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |publisher=Times Now}}</ref>

The Mumbai Police commenced an investigation, stating that the death was being treated as a suicide.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Police record statements of 3 psychiatrists, psychotherapist as part of probe |work=The Economic Times |agency=Press Trust of India |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sushant-singh-rajput-death-police-record-statements-of-3-psychiatrists-psychotherapist-as-part-of-probe/articleshow/77078803.cms |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805200547/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sushant-singh-rajput-death-police-record-statements-of-3-psychiatrists-psychotherapist-as-part-of-probe/articleshow/77078803.cms |archive-date=5 August 2020}}</ref> A team of three doctors conducted an autopsy and submitted their provisional postmortem report at Bandra Police Station. On 22 June, the Mumbai deputy commissioner of police said "The provisional [[cause of death]] is [[asphyxia]] due to hanging."<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's postmortem report submitted, actor's family arrives in Mumbai |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-postmortem-report-submitted-actor-s-family-arrives-in-mumbai/story-gXhKyjEkqnopNCyzZaUcDK.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717044128/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-postmortem-report-submitted-actor-s-family-arrives-in-mumbai/story-gXhKyjEkqnopNCyzZaUcDK.html |archive-date=17 July 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> The final postmortem report, received on 25 June, confirmed the cause of the death as asphyxia due to hanging and said it was a "clear case of suicide."<ref name="Web of theories">{{Cite web |last1=Kukreja |first1=Monika Rawal |last2=Suri |first2=Rishabh |date=3 August 2020 |title=Sushant's death embroiled in a web of theories |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushant-s-death-embroiled-in-a-web-of-theories/story-TEWZDqHtQRJXoN22jE5cqJ.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804072138/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushant-s-death-embroiled-in-a-web-of-theories/story-TEWZDqHtQRJXoN22jE5cqJ.html |archive-date=4 August 2020 |access-date=9 August 2020 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> The autopsy doctors placed the time of death at 10 to 12 hours before postmortem examination on 14&nbsp;June at 11:30&nbsp;p.m.—meaning between 11:30&nbsp;a.m. and 1:30&nbsp;p.m. (Indian Standard Time).<ref name="Time of death">{{Cite web |last=Singh, Divyesh |date=23 August 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput died 10 -12 hours before postmortem: Doctors to Mumbai Police |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-died-10-12-hours-before-postmortem-doctors-to-mumbai-police-1714120-2020-08-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823053807/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-died-10-12-hours-before-postmortem-doctors-to-mumbai-police-1714120-2020-08-23 |archive-date=23 August 2020 |access-date=23 August 2020 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> The report added that no [[crime|foul play]] was found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ozarkar |first=Vallabh |date=28 July 2020 |title=Forensic Science Laboratory rules out foul play in Sushant Singh Rajput's death |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/fsl-rules-out-foul-play-in-sushants-death/articleshow/77210570.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731042943/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/fsl-rules-out-foul-play-in-sushants-death/articleshow/77210570.cms |archive-date=31 July 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref> On 27 July, Mumbai Police received the [[Organ (anatomy)|viscera]] report, which likewise ruled out any foul play.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2020 |title=Viscera report rules out foul play in Sushant death: Official |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/viscera-report-rules-out-foul-play-in-sushant-death-official-866396.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172941/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/viscera-report-rules-out-foul-play-in-sushant-death-official-866396.html |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Deccan Herald}}</ref>

On 15 June, Maharashtra home minister [[Anil Deshmukh]] stated that the police would also probe the "professional rivalry" in the film industry as the cause of Rajput's depression.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-mumbai-police-to-probe-angle-of-sushant-singh-rajput-s-clinical-depression-due-to-professional-rivalry-anil-deshmukh-2828158/|title=Mumbai Police to probe angle of Sushant Singh Rajput's clinical depression due to professional rivalry: Anil Deshmukh|work=DNA India|date=15 June 2020|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616050630/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-mumbai-police-to-probe-angle-of-sushant-singh-rajput-s-clinical-depression-due-to-professional-rivalry-anil-deshmukh-2828158|url-status=live}}</ref> The police revealed that Rajput was upset with being linked to the death of Disha Salian, his previous manager.<ref name="IEGoogleSearch3Aug" /> Salian had died five days before him, and a case of [[accidental death]] was registered.<ref name="ITGoogled3Aug" /> She died after falling from the fourteenth floor of her building.<ref name="NDTVGoogled3Aug">{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Saurabh |date=3 August 2020 |editor-last=Ghosh |editor-first=Deepshikha |title=Sushant Singh Rajput Had Googled His Name Hours Before Death: Mumbai Cops |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-had-bipolar-disorder-was-on-medication-mumbai-cops-2273324 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803152614/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-had-bipolar-disorder-was-on-medication-mumbai-cops-2273324 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> On 3&nbsp;August, [[Police Commissioner of Mumbai]] [[Param Bir Singh]] said investigators had found no link between the deaths of Rajput and Salian.<ref name="No connection to Disha Salian">{{Cite web |last=Ozarkar, Vallabh |date=4 August 2020 |title=No connection between Sushant Singh Rajput and Disha Salian |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-is-not-missing-says-her-lawyer/articleshow/77330728.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172939/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-is-not-missing-says-her-lawyer/articleshow/77330728.cms |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |website=[[Mumbai Mirror]]}}</ref>

The police also revealed that Rajput had initially tried to hang himself with the belt of a bathrobe, but it could not sustain his weight. Following this, he used a green [[kurta]]. His clothes were strewn over the floor of his bedroom; the police concluded that they had fallen out when he had pulled the kurta from his cupboard. Due to a discrepancy between his height and the distance between his bed and the ceiling fan, the police concluded that he had hanged himself in an inclined position. No sign of struggle was found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Faizal |date=27 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput case: Did the actor try to hang self with bathrobe belt first? |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/sushant-singh-rajput-case-did-the-actor-try-to-hang-self-with-bathrobe-belt-first/22861234 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723060840/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/sushant-singh-rajput-case-did-the-actor-try-to-hang-self-with-bathrobe-belt-first/22861234 |archive-date=23 July 2020 |access-date=2 August 2020 |website=[[Mid-Day]]}}</ref>

 

On 25 July,<ref name="Date of FIR">{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput case: ED books late actor's friend Rhea Chakraborty, she says 'truth shall prevail' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushant-singh-rajput-case-enforcement-directorate-books-rhea-chakraborty-6532733/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801140003/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushant-singh-rajput-case-enforcement-directorate-books-rhea-chakraborty-6532733/ |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |quote=In the FIR, registered at Patna's Rajiv Nagar police station on July 25…}}</ref> Rajput's father, K. K. Singh, filed an [[First information report|FIR]] at [[Patna]], where he lives, against Rhea Chakraborty and six others, including her family members, for [[Aiding and abetting|abetment]] of suicide. He also accused them of wrongful restraint, wrongful confinement, theft, criminal breach of trust, and cheating.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 2020 |title=From theft to cheating: Sushant Singh Rajput's father charges against Rhea Chakraborty |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/from-theft-cheating-to-breach-of-trust-sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-charges-against-rhea-chakraborty/story-DkKuZSXUmBsxhBip9piO3N.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729060727/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/from-theft-cheating-to-breach-of-trust-sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-charges-against-rhea-chakraborty/story-DkKuZSXUmBsxhBip9piO3N.html |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> He alleged in his complaint that Chakraborty cheated Rajput financially and mentally harassed him.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's Father Files Case Against Actor Rhea Chakraborty |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajputs-father-files-case-against-actor-rhea-chakraborty-2270298 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729165813/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajputs-father-files-case-against-actor-rhea-chakraborty-2270298 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> On 28 July, [[India Today (TV channel)|India Today]] reported that Chakraborty had been [[arrest|booked]] in the case.<ref name="Driven to suicide">{{Cite web |date=28 July 2020 |title=Was Sushant Singh Rajput driven to suicide? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/programme/news-today/video/was-sushant-singh-rajput-driven-to-suicide-1705431-2020-07-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728215334/https://www.indiatoday.in/programme/news-today/video/was-sushant-singh-rajput-driven-to-suicide-1705431-2020-07-28 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020 |website=[[India Today (TV channel)|India Today]]}}</ref> In a petition filed at the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]], Chakraborty claimed she had no role in the actor's death and was falsely implicated by Rajput's father.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=Rhea Chakraborty alleges Sushant Singh Rajput's father KK Singh falsely implicating her in actor's death case |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-rhea-chakraborty-alleges-sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-kk-singh-falsely-implicating-her-in-actor-s-death-case-2835023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801101845/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-rhea-chakraborty-alleges-sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-kk-singh-falsely-implicating-her-in-actor-s-death-case-2835023 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=DNA India}}</ref> She also sought transfer of the probe in the FIR to Mumbai, saying that there cannot be an impartial investigation in Bihar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=Rhea Chakraborty says she was in live-in with Sushant Singh Rajput for a year, his father used 'influence' to rope her in case |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-tells-sc-she-was-in-live-in-with-sushant-singh-rajput-for-a-year-his-father-used-influence-to-file-fir-against-her/story-LsI3VTPaIpKN7PpO4PZgQM.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731040017/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-tells-sc-she-was-in-live-in-with-sushant-singh-rajput-for-a-year-his-father-used-influence-to-file-fir-against-her/story-LsI3VTPaIpKN7PpO4PZgQM.html |archive-date=31 July 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

Acting on the FIR filed in Patna, an investigative team was formed by [[Bihar Police]] and was sent to Mumbai to probe the case. Although the investigation continued only for a brief period as the case was later transferred to CBI.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://theprint.in/india/bihar-police-begin-probe-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-finances-in-mumbai/471473/|title=Bihar Police begin probe into Sushant Singh Rajput’s finances in Mumbai|date=30 July 2020|work=The Print|agency=Press Trust Of India|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802220233/https://theprint.in/india/bihar-police-begin-probe-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-finances-in-mumbai/471473/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bihar police officer probing Sushant case quarantined, hand stamped in Mumbai|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/bihar-police-officer-probing-sushant-case-quarantined-hand-stamped-in-mumbai/article32258191.ece#|work=The Hindu|date=3 August 2020|agency=Press Trust Of India|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108021638/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/bihar-police-officer-probing-sushant-case-quarantined-hand-stamped-in-mumbai/article32258191.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Enforcement Directorate]] (ED), which investigates financial crimes, also registered a money laundering case over transactions worth 15 crores rupees based on the complaint registered by Rajput's father.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Actor Rhea Chakraborty Summoned in Sushant Rajput Money Laundering Case |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-case-actor-rhea-chakraborty-asked-to-appear-before-enforcement-directorate-by-friday-2274795 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805203526/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-case-actor-rhea-chakraborty-asked-to-appear-before-enforcement-directorate-by-friday-2274795 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |access-date=6 August 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

Multiple reports stated that Sushant had hosted a party at his house on 13 June, the night before his death. This was denied by Mumbai Police and his house help, who was interrogated by Bihar Police. Mumbai Police initially reported that the [[CCTV]] in Rajput's house was not working,<ref name="DNADidNotParty31July" /> but on 3&nbsp;August said they had assessed CCTV footage that ruled out any party at Rajput's Bandra apartment on 13 June.<ref name="No connection to Disha Salian" />

On 3&nbsp;August, Mumbai's police commissioner said there was no misappropriation of funds from Rajput's bank accounts and no money had been transferred to Rhea Chakraborty's accounts.<ref name="No connection to Disha Salian" /> On 4 August, Mumbai Police appointed [[Grant Thornton International|Grant Thornton]] as the financial forensic auditor in the case.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sushant Singh case: Grant Thornton named as forensic auditor |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sushant-singh-case-grant-thornton-named-as-forensic-auditor/1908784 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172938/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sushant-singh-case-grant-thornton-named-as-forensic-auditor/1908784 |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=6 August 2020 |website=outlookindia.com}}</ref> During the investigation, reported ''Hindustan Times'', the Mumbai Police revealed that the actor's family had informally complained to the Mumbai Police in February 2020 about Rajput's life is in danger.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-wanted-us-to-take-rhea-chakraborty-into-custody-slap-her-mumbai-cop/story-WBlltRNxlJmsv8DAZEKBLI_amp.html|title=Sushant Singh Rajput’s family wanted us to take Rhea Chakraborty into custody, slap her: Mumbai cop|work=Hindustan Times|date=5 August 2020|quote=The police has said that the family wanted the matter to be resolved informally, without an official complaint. “In February, he sent me WhatsApp messages, asking me to call Rhea to the police station and slap her."|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128121336/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-wanted-us-to-take-rhea-chakraborty-into-custody-slap-her-mumbai-cop/story-WBlltRNxlJmsv8DAZEKBLI_amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-rajputs-relative-a-cop-asked-me-to-pressurise-rhea-mumbai-police-officer-2274395|title=Sushant Rajput's Relative, A Cop, Asked Me To "Pressurise Rhea": Mumbai Police Officer|work=NDTV|date=5 August 2020|quote=Deputy Commissioner of Police Paramjitsingh Dahiya told a TV channel that OP Singh, brother-in-law of Sushant Rajput and senior IPS officer of Haryana police, had made the request in February this year.|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=13 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014353/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-rajputs-relative-a-cop-asked-me-to-pressurise-rhea-mumbai-police-officer-2274395|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 19 August, the Supreme Court allowed the CBI to take control of the investigation<ref name="Supreme Court allows CBI to take control">{{Cite web |date=19 August 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput family vs Rhea Chakraborty case verdict: SC allows CBI to take control of investigation |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-family-vs-rhea-chakraborty-case-verdict-sc-allows-cbi-to-take-control-of-investigation-1712765-2020-08-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819054319/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-family-vs-rhea-chakraborty-case-verdict-sc-allows-cbi-to-take-control-of-investigation-1712765-2020-08-19 |archive-date=19 August 2020 |access-date=19 August 2020 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> and ordered the CBI to look into any future cases registered in relation to Rajput's death.<ref name="CBI probe lawful">{{Cite web |last=Mahajan, Shruti |date=19 August 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput: CBI probe into FIR against Rhea Chakraborty lawful; Mumbai Police to hand over all evidence, Supreme Court |url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/sushant-singh-rajput-cbi-probe-rhea-chakraborty-lawful-mumbai-police-hand-over-evidence-supreme-court |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172939/https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/sushant-singh-rajput-cbi-probe-rhea-chakraborty-lawful-mumbai-police-hand-over-evidence-supreme-court |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=19 August 2020 |publisher=Bar and Bench}}</ref> On 21 August, Sudhir Gupta, head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi]] (AIIMS) and leader of a forensic medical team tasked by CBI for assistance, told the [[Press Trust of India]], "We will look into the possibility of murder. However, all probable angles will be thoroughly examined."<ref name="AIIMS forms team">{{Cite web |last=Das, Ananya (editor) |date=22 August 2020 |title=AIIMS forms 5-member medical board to look into Sushant Singh Rajput's autopsy report |url=https://zeenews.india.com/people/aiims-forms-5-member-medical-board-to-look-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-autopsy-report-2304428.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823065512/https://zeenews.india.com/people/aiims-forms-5-member-medical-board-to-look-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-autopsy-report-2304428.html |archive-date=23 August 2020 |access-date=22 August 2020 |publisher=[[Zee News]]}}</ref> Gupta told [[Asian News International]] (ANI), "We will also examine other trace evidence preserved at the time of autopsy to differentiate between hanging and murder allegations."<ref name="AIIMS team to analyze">{{Cite web |last=Sharma, Priyanka |date=21 August 2020 |title=AIIMS forensic team to analyze Sushant Singh Rajput case reports, give medico-legal opinion |url=https://aninews.in/news/national/general-news/aiims-forensic-team-to-analyze-sushant-singh-rajput-case-reports-give-medico-legal-opinion20200821192934/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822035731/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/aiims-forensic-team-to-analyze-sushant-singh-rajput-case-reports-give-medico-legal-opinion20200821192934/ |archive-date=22 August 2020 |access-date=21 August 2020 |publisher=[[Asian News International]]}}</ref>

 

On 26 August, the [[Narcotics Control Bureau]] (NCB), India's national drug law enforcement agency, registered an FIR against Rhea, her brother Showik, and three others. The ED had requested the NCB to join the investigation after its financial probe found that drugs were supplied to Rhea and Sushant. Specifically, the FIR invoked sections of India's [[Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985|Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act]] (NDPS Act) dealing with [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]].<ref name="Narcotics Bureau files FIR">{{Cite web |last=Pathak, Manish K |date=26 August 2020 |title=Narcotics bureau files FIR against Rhea, five others |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/narcotics-bureau-files-fir-against-rhea-five-others/story-zb57i3XFN57WupZIQpW3QL.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172939/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/narcotics-bureau-files-fir-against-rhea-five-others/story-zb57i3XFN57WupZIQpW3QL.html |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=26 August 2020 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> On 4 September, the NCB arrested Showik Chakraborty and Sushant Singh Rajput's house manager, charging them under provisions of the NDPS Act.<ref name="Showik arrested">{{cite web |url=https://www.elkeesmedia.com/news/sushant-singh-rajput-case-showik-samuel-to-remain-in-ncb-custody-till-sept-9-13902.html |title=Sushant Singh Rajput Case: Showik, Samuel to remain in NCB Custody till Sept 9 |publisher=ElkeesMedia.com |date=September 5, 2020 |access-date=7 September 2020 |author=Pandey, Devanshe |archive-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907131754/https://www.elkeesmedia.com/news/sushant-singh-rajput-case-showik-samuel-to-remain-in-ncb-custody-till-sept-9-13902.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The NCB arrested Rhea Chakraborty on 9 September for allegedly procuring drugs for Rajput; she was one of 20 persons arrested by the NCB in connection with the drugs angle being probed in the actor's death.<ref name="Rhea custody extended">{{cite web |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-case-rhea-chakrabortys-judicial-custody-extended-till-october-20/articleshow/78510830.cms |title=Sushant Singh Rajput case: Rhea Chakraborty's judicial custody extended till October 20 |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |date=6 October 2020 |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009102228/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-case-rhea-chakrabortys-judicial-custody-extended-till-october-20/articleshow/78510830.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 October, [[Sessions Court#India|Mumbai Sessions Court]] extended Chakraborty's judicial remand until 20 October,<ref name="Rhea custody extended"/> but a day later she was granted bail by the [[Bombay High Court]]. The high court rejected the NCB's theory that Chakraborty had harboured and financed Rajput's drug addiction, finding instead that she was not part of the chain of drug dealers involved in the case. "She has not forwarded the drugs allegedly procured by her to somebody else to earn monetary or other benefits," wrote Justice Sarang Kotwal.<ref name="Bombay High Court highlights">{{cite web |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-bail-order-highlights-bombay-high-court-says-she-is-not-part-of-chain-of-drug-dealers/articleshow/78531863.cms |title=Rhea Chakraborty bail order highlights: Bombay High Court says she is not part of chain of drug dealers |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |date=7 October 2020 |access-date=7 October 2020 |author=Baghel, Sunil |archive-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010102745/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-bail-order-highlights-bombay-high-court-says-she-is-not-part-of-chain-of-drug-dealers/articleshow/78531863.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 March, the NCB submitted a chargesheet against 33 persons including Chakraborty and her brother.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/drugs-case-ncb-chargesheet-rhea-chakraborty-7215252/|title=Drugs case: NCB files chargesheet against 33, including Rhea Chakraborty|work=The Indian Express|author=Sadaf Modak|location=Mumbai|date=5 March 2021}}</ref> On 28 May, Singh's flatmate Siddarth Pithani was arrested by NCB.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ncb-arrests-sushants-flatmate-pithani-from-hyderabad-in-drug-case/article34664711.ece|title=NCB arrests Sushant’s flatmate Siddharth Pithani from Hyderabad in drugs case|work=The Hindu|location=Mumbai|author=Devesh K Pandey|date=28 May 2021|access-date=28 May 2021}}</ref>

On 3 October, Dr. Sudhir Gupta of AIIMS, leader of the CBI-designated forensic medical team, said, "Sushant death is a case of suicide. Murder completely ruled out."<ref name="Murder ruled out">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-murder-completely-ruled-out-it-was-suicide-dr-sudhir-gupta-of-aiims-1727920-2020-10-03 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput murder completely ruled out, it was suicide: Dr Sudhir Gupta of AIIMS |work=[[India Today]] |date=3 October 2020 |access-date=3 October 2020 |last1=Kashyap |first1=Anjana Om |last2=Pandey |first2=Munish |archive-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003143653/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-murder-completely-ruled-out-it-was-suicide-dr-sudhir-gupta-of-aiims-1727920-2020-10-03 |url-status=live }}</ref> Gupta told ANI, "There were no injuries over the body other than hanging. There were no marks of struggle/scuffle in the body and clothes of the deceased."<ref name="Who said what">{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aiims-report-on-sushant-singh-rajput-death-who-said-what/story-bASG0BNVkkHtRRICgHeItN.html |title=AIIMS report on Sushant Singh Rajput death: Who said what |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=3 October 2020 |access-date=3 October 2020 |author=Ghosh, Poulomi (editor) |archive-date=3 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003225234/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aiims-report-on-sushant-singh-rajput-death-who-said-what/story-bASG0BNVkkHtRRICgHeItN.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5&nbsp;October, ANI reported that the AIIMS medical board had submitted its report to CBI confirming that Rajput died by suicide and ruling out the murder angle.<ref name="Report submitted to CBI">{{cite web |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/ssr-death-case-medical-board-submitted-report-directly-to-cbi-can-obtain-inputs-from-bureau-says-aiims20201005210812/ |title=SSR death case: Medical board submitted report directly to CBI, can obtain inputs from bureau, says AIIMS |publisher=[[Asian News International]] |date=5 October 2020 |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=8 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008143353/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/ssr-death-case-medical-board-submitted-report-directly-to-cbi-can-obtain-inputs-from-bureau-says-aiims20201005210812/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 October, the CBI said it "continues to investigate the death of Rajput. There are certain speculative reports in the media that the CBI has reached a conclusion. It may be reiterated that these reports are speculative and erroneous."<ref name="Speculative and erroneous">{{cite web |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/reports-on-sushant-singh-rajput-case-speculative-and-erroneous-cbi |title=Reports on Sushant Singh Rajput case 'speculative and erroneous': CBI |work=[[The Free Press Journal]] |date=15 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |author=Salunke, Pratik |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018105059/https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/reports-on-sushant-singh-rajput-case-speculative-and-erroneous-cbi |url-status=live }}</ref>

A few hours after Rajput's death, [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] leader [[Sanjay Nirupam]] claimed that Rajput had signed seven films after his 2019 box office hit ''[[Chhichhore]]'' and had lost them all within a span of six months.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Karan Johar {{!}} Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case: Complaint against Salman, Karan Johar, Ekta in Bihar court over Sushant S Rajput's death |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/complaint-against-salman-k-jo-ekta-in-bihar-court-over-sushant-s-rajputs-death/articleshow/76424080.cms |url-status=live |access-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708025432/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/complaint-against-salman-k-jo-ekta-in-bihar-court-over-sushant-s-rajputs-death/articleshow/76424080.cms |archive-date=8 July 2020}}</ref>

{{As of|2020|July|31}}, at least three fans had reportedly committed [[copycat suicide]], including a 30-year-old television actor<ref name="Copycat deaths">{{Cite web |last=Ramakrishnan |first=P |date=31 July 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput suicide: Bollywood actor's death reveals dark side of obsessive fans – copycat deaths, harassment, mob mentality |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3095335/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-bollywood-actors-death |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731124840/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3095335/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-bollywood-actors-death |archive-date=31 July 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=[[South China Morning Post]]}}</ref> and a 13-year-old girl using the same method as Rajput.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upset about actor''s death, minor girl kills self in C''garh |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/upset-about-actors-death-minor-girl-kills-self-in-cgarh/1900954 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172952/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/upset-about-actors-death-minor-girl-kills-self-in-cgarh/1900954 |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |website=Outlook}}</ref>

Rajput's sister Shweta Singh Kirti initiated a 'Global Prayers for SSR' campaign to urge all to collectively pray for the departed soul on 15 August at 10:00 am local time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 August 2020 |title=Global Prayers For SSR: Ankita Lokhande, Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Shweta Singh Kirti request people to share images |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-global-prayers-for-ssr-ankita-lokhande-sushant-singh-rajput-s-sister-shweta-singh-kirti-request-people-to-share-images-2837601 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172958/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-global-prayers-for-ssr-ankita-lokhande-sushant-singh-rajput-s-sister-shweta-singh-kirti-request-people-to-share-images-2837601 |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=18 August 2020 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref> Along with family members and fans, many celebrities include [[Kriti Sanon]], [[Ankita Lokhande]] and [[Ekta Kapoor]] also joined in this movement.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jyoti |first1=Kanyal |last2=August 15 |last3=Ist |title=Kriti Sanon and Ankita Lokhande join Sushant Singh Rajput's family in Global Prayers for SSR |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kriti-sanon-and-ankita-lokhande-join-sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-in-global-prayers-for-ssr-1711530-2020-08-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816020415/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kriti-sanon-and-ankita-lokhande-join-sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-in-global-prayers-for-ssr-1711530-2020-08-15 |archive-date=16 August 2020 |access-date=18 August 2020 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Taneja |first=Parina |date=15 August 2020 |title=Kriti Sanon, Ankita Lokhande & others join Sushant Singh Rajput's family for global prayer meet |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/celebrities/kriti-sanon-ankita-lokhande-others-join-sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-for-global-prayer-meet-642268 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828011735/https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/celebrities/kriti-sanon-ankita-lokhande-others-join-sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-for-global-prayer-meet-642268 |archive-date=28 August 2020 |access-date=18 August 2020 |website=www.indiatvnews.com |language=en}}</ref>

 

 

A road in New Delhi was renamed "Sushant Singh Rajput Marg" in memory of the actor.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/street-in-delhi-to-be-named-after-sushant-singh-rajput-1761570-2021-01-22|title=Street in Delhi to be named after Sushant Singh Rajput|work=India Today|first=Jyoti|last=Kanyal|location=Mumbai|date=22 January 2021|access-date=22 January 2021|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122033547/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/street-in-delhi-to-be-named-after-sushant-singh-rajput-1761570-2021-01-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rajput's maternal uncle, alleging that his nephew was murdered, had demanded a CBI probe on the day of the actor's death.<ref>{{Cite web |title=We don't think he committed suicide, police must investigate, says Sushant Singh Rajput's maternal uncle |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/we-dont-think-he-committed-suicide-police-must-investigate-says-sushant-singh-rajputs-maternal-uncle20200615093708/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172959/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/we-dont-think-he-committed-suicide-police-must-investigate-says-sushant-singh-rajputs-maternal-uncle20200615093708/ |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=ANI News}}</ref> Several political leaders, mostly from Bihar also demanded a CBI investigation into the case.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/why-bihar-politicians-are-scrambling-to-get-justice-for-late-actor-sushant-singh-rajput/446037/|title=Why Bihar politicians are scrambling to get justice for late actor Sushant Singh Rajput|work=The Print|date=21 June 2020|author=Mishra, Dipak|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=16 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016051336/https://theprint.in/india/why-bihar-politicians-are-scrambling-to-get-justice-for-late-actor-sushant-singh-rajput/446037/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/demand-for-cbi-probe-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-cuts-across-party-lines|title=Demand for CBI probe into Sushant Singh Rajput's death cuts across party lines|work=The Free Press Journal|date=23 June 2020|author=IANS|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011172353/https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/demand-for-cbi-probe-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-cuts-across-party-lines|url-status=live}}</ref> Bollywood actor [[Shekhar Suman]] created a forum called #justiceforSushantforum demanding a CBI probe into the death.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 June 2020 |title=Shekhar Suman creates #justiceforSushantforum demanding CBI probe into actor's death |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/shekhar-suman-creates-justiceforsushantforum-demanding-cbi-probe-into-actors-death/1876061|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905173005/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/shekhar-suman-creates-justiceforsushantforum-demanding-cbi-probe-into-actors-death/1876061 |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=Outlook}}</ref> Actress and [[Bharatiya Janta Party|BJP]] [[Member of parliament, Rajya Sabha|Rajya Sabha MP]] [[Roopa Ganguly]], in a series of tweets with hashtag #cbiforsushant, questioned the actor's death and called for an "independent unbiased CBI investigation".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bjp-mp-roopa-ganguly-demands-cbi-probe-in-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-2687171.html|title=BJP MP Roopa Ganguly Demands CBI Probe in Sushant Singh Rajput Death Case|work=News18|first=Sujit|last=Nath|date=25 June 2020|location=Kolkata|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626162312/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bjp-mp-roopa-ganguly-demands-cbi-probe-in-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-2687171.html|archive-date=26 June 2020|url-status=live|access-date=28 January 2021}}</ref>

Rajput's fans demanded an inquiry on various social platforms.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/entertainment/bollywood-sushant-singh-rajput-fans-wants-cbi-inquiry-for-his-death-check-all-details-here-20411444.html|title=नहीं थम रहा फैंस का गुस्सा, #CBIEnquiryForSushant पर हुए एक लाख से अधिक ट्वीट|work=Dainik Jagran|language=hi|date=19 June 2020|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031031308/https://www.jagran.com/entertainment/bollywood-sushant-singh-rajput-fans-wants-cbi-inquiry-for-his-death-check-all-details-here-20411444.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 July 2020, ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' reported that in the wake of Rajput's suicide, "a massive online campaign fuelled by conspiracy theories has been demanding a CBI investigation into the matter." Actress Rhea Chakraborty, who "identified herself as Sushant's girlfriend," wrote the ''Hindustan Times'', asked for the aid of [[Amit Shah]], India's [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Minister of Home Affairs]], in launching a CBI probe.<ref name="Requests CBI investigation">{{Cite web |date=16 July 2020 |title=Rhea Chakraborty requests Amit Shah for CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's death |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-aks-for-cbi-investigation-into-sushant-singh-rajput-s-death-i-request-you-with-folded-hands/story-3nucScoHVAhKGBxLhVTAIM.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716171332/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-aks-for-cbi-investigation-into-sushant-singh-rajput-s-death-i-request-you-with-folded-hands/story-3nucScoHVAhKGBxLhVTAIM.html |archive-date=16 July 2020 |access-date=16 July 2020 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> Former union minister [[Subramanian Swamy]] wrote a letter to PM Modi requesting a CBI probe, which was acknowledged by the PM's office on 25 July.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2020 |title=PM Modi acknowledges Subramanian Swamy's letter demanding CBI investigation in Sushant Singh Rajput death case |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-pm-modi-acknowledges-subramanian-swamy-s-letter-demanding-cbi-investigation-in-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-2834062 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727084613/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-pm-modi-acknowledges-subramanian-swamy-s-letter-demanding-cbi-investigation-in-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-2834062 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=DNA India}}</ref>

[[Government of Maharashtra|Maharashtra Home Minister]] [[Anil Deshmukh]] questioned the necessity of a CBI probe into the death. "The Mumbai Police is competent enough to handle such cases," he said on 17 July.<ref name="CBI probe not needed">{{Cite web |last=Khan, Faizan |date=17 July 2020 |title=CBI Probe Not Needed in Sushant Singh Rajput Case: Anil Deshmukh |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/cbi-probe-not-needed-in-sushant-singh-rajput-case-anil-deshmukh/22894322 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717034942/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/cbi-probe-not-needed-in-sushant-singh-rajput-case-anil-deshmukh/22894322 |archive-date=17 July 2020 |access-date=17 July 2020 |website=[[Mid-Day]] |quote=I don't think that a CBI probe is required. The Mumbai Police is competent enough to handle such cases and they are investigating every aspect of the case including professional rivalry. As of now, we do not see any foul play. Details of the investigation will be shared once it is completed.}}</ref> On 22 July, the [[Twitter]] [[hashtag]] #Candle4SSR [[Twitter trends|trended]] with two million tweets from Rajput's fans around the world, as part of their online campaigns demanding a CBI investigation since the actor's death.<ref name="Candle4SSR">{{Cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Shreya |date=3 August 2020 |title=Peaceful protest planned in Sushant Singh Rajput's memory on August 7 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/peaceful-protest-planned-in-sushant-singh-rajput-s-memory-on-august-7/story-mzepw2xYUw8rFxTaLPF4uM.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803212130/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/peaceful-protest-planned-in-sushant-singh-rajput-s-memory-on-august-7/story-mzepw2xYUw8rFxTaLPF4uM.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> On 29 July, Home Minister Deshmukh reiterated that the investigation would not be transferred to the CBI.<ref name="No transfer to CBI">{{Cite web |last=Dutta Roy |first=Divyanshu |date=29 July 2020 |title=Won't Transfer Sushant Singh Rajput Case To CBI, Says Maharashtra Home Minister |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-wont-transfer-case-to-cbi-says-maharashtra-minister-2270991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729180522/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-wont-transfer-case-to-cbi-says-maharashtra-minister-2270991 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |publisher=[[NDTV]]}}</ref>

On 5 August, however, [[Tushar Mehta]], [[Solicitor General of India]], told the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] that the executive branch of India's national government had accepted the recommendation by [[Government of Bihar|Bihar's state government]] for a CBI inquiry into Rajput's death.<ref name="CBI implications">{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |title=CBI inquiry into Sushant's death to have far-reaching implications |url=http://www.ptinews.com/news/11700263_CBI-inquiry-into-Sushant-s-death-to-have-far-reaching.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905173014/http://www.ptinews.com/news/11700263_CBI-inquiry-into-Sushant-s-death-to-have-far-reaching.html |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |publisher=[[Press Trust of India]]}}</ref> On that basis, officials said, CBI had decided to start the probe.<ref name="CBI will probe">{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |title=CBI officials say agency will probe Sushant Singh Rajput death case |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-cbi-officials-say-agency-will-probe-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case/358058 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806095825/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-cbi-officials-say-agency-will-probe-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case/358058 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |agency=[[Press Trust of India]]}}</ref> On 8 August, the Maharashtra government told the Supreme Court that the CBI had shown "indecent haste" and should not have registered the case while proceedings were still pending before the court.<ref name=" CBI showing indecent haste">{{Cite web |date=8 August 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput probe: In SC, Maharashtra govt accuses CBI of showing 'indecent haste' in filing case |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushant-singh-rajput-case-cbi-investigation-maharashtra-supreme-court-6546302/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810125614/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushant-singh-rajput-case-cbi-investigation-maharashtra-supreme-court-6546302/ |archive-date=10 August 2020 |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

Rajput's death sparked a debate in India about [[nepotism]] and related malpractices in the [[Bollywood]] film industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/death-of-young-actor-fuels-debate-on-nepotism-in-bollywood/2020/07/26/895aaad8-cfa5-11ea-826b-cc394d824e35_story.html|title=Death of young actor fuels debate on nepotism in Bollywood|work=The Washington Post|author=Deepak, Vineeta|date=26 July 2020|access-date=28 October 2020|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128121337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/death-of-young-actor-fuels-debate-on-nepotism-in-bollywood/2020/07/26/895aaad8-cfa5-11ea-826b-cc394d824e35_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A day after Rajput's death, actress and filmmaker [[Kangana Ranaut]] speculated that the actor was a victim of the Hindi film industry's nepotistic nature and it didn't acknowledge Rajput's work which led to his mental suffering.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-fault-is-that-he-believed-those-who-called-him-worthless-says-kangana-ranaut-in-passionate-video/story-PU8XYbq6wloAJCkoACY5tM.html|title=Sushant Singh Rajput’s fault is that he believed those who called him ‘worthless’, says Kangana Ranaut in passionate video|work=Hindustan Times|date=15 June 2020|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116010429/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-fault-is-that-he-believed-those-who-called-him-worthless-says-kangana-ranaut-in-passionate-video/story-PU8XYbq6wloAJCkoACY5tM.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A case was registered against [[Karan Johar]], [[Sanjay Leela Bhansali]], [[Salman Khan]], [[Ekta Kapoor]] and four others in the [[Patna High Court]] by a lawyer, Sudhir Kumar Ojha, alleging that Rajput had been denied opportunities due to nepotism, leading to his suicide, but the case was later dismissed on 8 July.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput suicide: Case filed against Karan Johar, Salman Khan, Ekta Kapoor in Bihar |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-case-filed-against-karan-johar-salman-khan-ekta-kapoor-in-bihar-1689901-2020-06-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618100756/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-case-filed-against-karan-johar-salman-khan-ekta-kapoor-in-bihar-1689901-2020-06-17 |archive-date=18 June 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 July 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case: Bihar court dismisses plea against Karan Johar, Salman Khan |work=India Today |agency=Press Trust of India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-case-bihar-court-dismisses-plea-against-karan-johar-salman-khan-1698432-2020-07-08 |url-status=live |access-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820084506/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-case-bihar-court-dismisses-plea-against-karan-johar-salman-khan-1698432-2020-07-08 |archive-date=20 August 2020}}</ref> Johar and [[Alia Bhatt]] were then bullied on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bose |first=Rakhi |date=17 June 2020 |title=Bullying Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt for Sushant Singh Rajput's Death Won't Fix Nepotism Battle |url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/bullying-karan-johar-alia-bhatt-for-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-doesnt-fix-nepotism-or-mental-health-battle-2673871.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803213324/https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/bullying-karan-johar-alia-bhatt-for-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-doesnt-fix-nepotism-or-mental-health-battle-2673871.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=13 August 2020 |website=News18}}</ref>

Soon after, Ranaut and her team started a campaign against rampant nepotism in Bollywood. In an interview with [[Republic TV]] editor-in-chief [[Arnab Goswami]], she blamed the "movie mafia" for Rajput's death.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurian |first=Joel |date=19 July 2020 |title=Full interview: Kangana Ranaut speaks to Arnab, talks about Sushant Singh Rajput case |url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/kangana-ranaut-speaks-to-arnab-exposes-movie-mafia-full-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905173020/https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/kangana-ranaut-speaks-to-arnab-exposes-movie-mafia-full-interview.html |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=Republic World}}</ref> She claimed that production houses like [[Dharma Productions]] and [[Yash Raj Films]] had worked to ensure Rajput's failure and that film critic [[Rajeev Masand]] had defamed him publicly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kapoor |first=Chetna |date=19 July 2020 |title=Kangana Ranaut speaks to Arnab, asks 'Why was Mahesh Bhatt counselling Sushant Singh?' |url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/kangana-ranaut-arnab-asks-why-was-mahesh-bhatt-counselling-sushant |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905173022/https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/kangana-ranaut-arnab-asks-why-was-mahesh-bhatt-counselling-sushant.html |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=Republic World}}</ref>

Following this, [[Simi Garewal]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 July 2020 |title=What Sushant endured! Distraught Simi Garewal applauds Kangana Ranaut |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/what-sushant-endured-distraught-simi-garewal-applauds-kangana-ranaut-1702189-2020-07-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720055745/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/what-sushant-endured-distraught-simi-garewal-applauds-kangana-ranaut-1702189-2020-07-19 |archive-date=20 July 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=India Today}}</ref> and [[A. R. Rahman]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2020 |title='People bashing Kangana need to see this': Netizens react to AR Rahman's comment about 'gang spreading rumours' |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-people-bashing-kangana-need-to-see-this-netizens-react-to-ar-rahman-s-comment-about-gang-spreading-rumours-2834050 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727164422/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-people-bashing-kangana-need-to-see-this-netizens-react-to-ar-rahman-s-comment-about-gang-spreading-rumours-2834050 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=DNA India}}</ref> spoke about [[groupism]] that they faced in Bollywood. [[Sonu Nigam]] referred to the nepotism in the music industry as "music mafia".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/amp/news/movies/sonu-nigam-calls-out-music-mafia-in-bollywood-warns-about-suicides-in-music-industry-2676533.html|title=Sonu Nigam Calls Out 'Music Mafia' in Bollywood, Warns About 'Suicides in Music Industry'|work=News18|date=19 June 2020|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=20 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120105700/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/movies/sonu-nigam-calls-out-music-mafia-in-bollywood-warns-about-suicides-in-music-industry-2676533.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Amid the debate over nepotism, [[vote brigading]] by Rajput's fans led to the trailer of ''[[Sadak 2]]'', released on 12 August 2020, to become the [[List of most-disliked YouTube videos|most disliked trailer]] on [[YouTube]] within 24 hours of its release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2020 |title=Alia Bhatt's Sadak 2 the most disliked trailer on YouTube amid nepotism debate, fans demand justice for Sushant Singh Rajput |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/alia-bhatt-s-sadak-2-is-the-most-disliked-trailer-on-youtube-as-fans-demand-justice-for-sushant-singh-rajput/story-iEvKT1u4XhRDsM9RvtN8CJ.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813081256/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/alia-bhatt-s-sadak-2-is-the-most-disliked-trailer-on-youtube-as-fans-demand-justice-for-sushant-singh-rajput/story-iEvKT1u4XhRDsM9RvtN8CJ.html |archive-date=13 August 2020 |access-date=13 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Speculating that Rajput had despaired of being shut out of the film industry due to favoritism, his fans blamed Bollywood insiders, including [[Mahesh Bhatt]], director of ''Sadak&nbsp;2'', and his daughter [[Alia Bhatt]], one of the film's stars, who had spoken dismissively of Rajput in a talk show.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why The Internet Is Hitting 'Dislike' On Alia Bhatt's Sadak 2 Trailer |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/why-the-internet-is-hitting-dislike-on-alia-bhatts-sadak-2-trailer-2278443 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812140440/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/why-the-internet-is-hitting-dislike-on-alia-bhatts-sadak-2-trailer-2278443 |archive-date=12 August 2020 |access-date=12 August 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

{{Reflist}}

 

* {{Cite arxiv | eprint=2009.11744 |last1=Akbar |first1=SZ |last2=Sharma |first2=A |last3=Negi |first3=H |last4=Panda |first4=A |last5=Pal |first5=J |display-authors=2 |title =Anatomy of a Rumour: Social media and the suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput |year=2020 |class=cs.SI }}

[[Category:2020 suicides|Rajput]]

[[Category:Suicides by asphyxiation|Rajput]]

[[Category:Suicides by hanging in India|Rajput]]