Supreme Court orders CBI to investigate Sushant Singh Rajput's death case: Highlights of the verdict

Supreme Court today announced that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will take over the probe of Sushant Singh Rajput’s untimely demise on June 14. The Mumbai Police have been asked to hand over all evidence collected so far in the case to CBI, while the apex court also observed that the FIR in Patna, based on Sushant’s father’s complaint was correct. While Rhea Chakraborty’s lawyer, senior advocate Satish Manshinde shared her statement, Sushant’s family lawyer Vikas Singh also revealed the family’s reaction to the verdict. Here’s taking a look at the highlights of the verdict.

Supreme Court, in its 35 page long judgement had mentioned that the CBI would take charge of the case. The order read, “Sushant Singh Rajput was a talented actor and died well before his full potential could be realised. Many are keenly awaiting the outcome of the probe so speculations can be put to rest. Therefore a fair, competent, impartial investigation is need of the hour. The expected outcome then would be, a measure of justice for the complainant, who lost his only son.”

Sushant Singh Rajput’s father KK Singh had filed an FIR in Patna and the apex court termed it as a legitimate one stating that the Bihar police are competent to hand the case over to the CBI."Having considered the contours of the power 406 of CrPC....The Bihar Police are competent to hand over the case to CBI. However, the Mumbai Police also has jurisdiction in the case. For any other case registered against the late actor, we direct the CBI to investigate," stated the SC. Sushant’s father’s lawyer Vikas Singh was quoted by Times Now, “The Supreme Court ruled on all points in our favour. The SC also clearly said that the FIR registered in Patna was correct. The SC also said that any other FIR registered in connection with the Sushant Singh Rajput's death will also be investigated by the CBI. We hope that we should get justice very soon. The family is very happy with the verdict.”

Soon after the SC verdict, Rhea Chakraborty’s lawyer, senior advocate Satish Manshinde shared in a statement that the actress will appear before the CBI for the necessary probe. “Since the Court has Transferred the investigation to CBI invoking it’s powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India, she will appear and face the investigation by the CBI as she has done earlier with the Mumbai Police and the Enforcement Directorate.” Also echoing Rhea’s stand, the statement read, “Rhea maintains that the Truth will remain the same whichever agency investigates the case.”

Sushant Singh Rajput’s sister Shweta Singh Kirti, who has been in support of a CBI inquiry into the actor’s demise, also welcomed the SC’s decision. She had shared in a series of posts on Twitter, “There we go!! Finally!! CBI for SSR!! Thank you God! You have answered our prayers!! But it is just the beginning... the first step towards the truth! Full faith on CBI!! Congratulations to my extended Family!! So happy... first step towards victory and unbiased investigation.”

Image Credit: Shweta Singh Kirti Instagram Account

Sushant Singh Rajput’s family lawyer Vikas Singh told ETimes that the CBI investigation into the late actor’s demise was not a matter to be rejoiced but he saw it as a big leap in the direction of justice. He also stated, “Proper investigation will now take place for the first time. Hence, they are worried. Rhea's statement has only cooked up a story which in fact proves the FIR that we have filed. Like, she cut off Sushant's contact with his family, created differences between brother and sister (Sushant and Priyanka). If your question is the point that stands out after the verdict, then for posterity, in cases when people from small cities go to work in big cities and get injustice, will not have a situation for their families having to go all the way to the big city to get justice. This sets an example.”

Image Credit: Shweta Singh Kirti Instagram Account