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Death of Sushant Singh Rajput

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Death of Sushant Singh Rajput
Rajput on Dance India Dance Super Moms in 2013
Date14 June 2020 (2020-06-14)
TimeAfternoon
LocationBandra, Mumbai, India
CauseSuicide by hanging
Burial15 June 2020, at the Pawan Hans Crematorium, Vile Parle

On 14 June 2020, Indian actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead hanging from the ceiling fan at his home in Bandra, Mumbai, with the cause ruled as suicide.[1] The official postmortem reports concluded that he died of asphyxia due to hanging.[2] The Mumbai Police launched an investigation into the death, which was surrounded by rumours and speculation.

Timeline

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. Both calls remained unanswered. Rajput then woke up early that morning.[3]

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 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, the mystery here was he was hanging from the bed and his height did not make it a suicide case so it was suspicious asking for investigation.[4] No suicide note was recovered.[5]

The Indian Express reported that the Mumbai Police said the actor had shown symptoms of clinical depression and was consulting a psychiatrist.[6] Times Now reported that medical papers and anti-depressant pills were found in his house.[7]

Investigation

The Mumbai Police commenced an investigation, stating that the death was being treated as a suicide.[8] A team of three doctors conducted an autopsy and submitted their provisional postmortem report at Bandra Police Station. "The provisional cause of death," said the Mumbai deputy commissioner of police on 22 June, "is asphyxia due to hanging."[9] The report added that no foul play was found.[10] On 27 July, Mumbai Police received the viscera report, which likewise ruled out foul play.[11]

On 25 July,[12] Rajput's father, K. K. Singh, filed an FIR at Patna, where he lives, against Rhea Chakraborty and six others, including her family members, for abetment of suicide. He also accused them of wrongful restraint, wrongful confinement, theft, criminal breach of trust, and cheating.[13] He alleged in his complaint that Chakraborty cheated Rajput financially and mentally harassed him.[14] On 28 July, India Today reported that Chakraborty had been booked in the case.[15] In a petition filed at the Supreme Court, Chakraborty claimed she had no role in the actor's death and was falsely implicated by Rajput's father.[16] She also sought transfer of the probe in the FIR to Mumbai, saying that there cannot be an impartial investigation in Bihar.[17]

As of 29 July 2020, around 40 people had been interviewed by the police in the case.[18]

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 had previously reported that the CCTV in Rajput's house was not working.[3]

Public reactions

Rajput's death was generally perceived as being unexpected and shocking[19] and sparked debates over mental health.[20] Several prominent leaders and actors responded on social media.[21] On Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Rajput "a bright young actor gone too soon". Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar too expressed his shock.[22]

A few hours after Rajput’s death, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam claimed that Rajput had signed seven films after Chhichhore and had lost them all within a span of six months.[23]

On 15 June, Maharashtra Cyber Police tweeted that some pictures of Rajput being circulated online were "disturbing and in bad taste", warning people that posting such pictures on social media would invite legal action.[24]

As of 31 July 2020, at least three fans had reportedly committed copycat suicide, including a 30-year-old television actor[25] and a 13-year-old girl using the same method as Rajput.[26]

Request for CBI probe

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 Central Bureau of Investigation (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, in launching a CBI probe.[27] Rajput's maternal uncle, alleging that his nephew was murdered, had demanded a CBI probe on the day of the actor's death.[28] 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.[29]

Bollywood actor Shekhar Suman created a forum called #justiceforSushantforum demanding a CBI probe into the death.[30] He later backed out, stating that Rajput's family had made him "uncomfortable".[31]

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, however, denied a CBI probe was required. "The Mumbai Police is competent enough to handle such cases," he said on 17 July.[32] On 22 July, the Twitter hashtag #Candle4SSR trended with one million tweets from Rajput's fans around the world, demanding a CBI investigation.[33][34] On 29 July, Home Minister Deshmukh reiterated that the investigation would not be transferred to the CBI.[35]

Groupism debate

Rajput's death sparked a debate in India about nepotism and bad practices in the Bollywood film industry. 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 Sushant had been denied opportunities due to nepotism, leading to his suicide, but the case was later dismissed on 8 July.[36][37]

Soon after, actress and filmmaker Kangana 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.[38] She claimed that production houses like Dharma Productions and Yash Raj Films had worked to ensure Rajput's failure and that Rajeev Masand had defamed him publicly.[39]

Following this, Simi Garewal[40] and A. R. Rahman[41] spoke about groupism that they faced in Bollywood. An old video of Kader Khan describing the groupism he faced became popular on social media.[42]

Funeral

Rajput was cremated by his father at Pawan Hans Crematorium, Vile Parle on 15 June.[43] Actors Kriti Sanon, Shraddha Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Ranvir Shorey amongst others were present at his funeral proceedings.[44][45]

References

  1. ^ Arora, Priya (14 June 2020). "Sushant Singh Rajput, Bollywood Star, Dies at 34". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  2. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput's final autopsy report confirms suicide; rules out foul play". The Week. 24 June 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Exclusive: Sushant Singh Rajput did not party at home or go outside on June 13, househelp tells Bihar Police". DNA India. 31 July 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  4. ^ https://m.mid-day.com/amp/articles/sushant-singh-rajput-case-did-the-actor-try-to-hang-self-with-bathrobe-belt-first/22861234
  5. ^ "Post-mortem report confirms Sushant Singh Rajput died due to asphyxia". The Economic Times. 22 June 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  6. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput showed signs of clinical depression, sought counselling: Police". The Indian Express. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  7. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput's death: Anti-depression medicines found from actor's house; family demands CBI probe". Times Now. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  8. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Police record statements of 3 psychiatrists, psychotherapist as part of probe". The Economic Times. PTI. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  9. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput's postmortem report submitted, actor's family arrives in Mumbai". Hindustan Times. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  10. ^ Ozarkar, Vallabh (28 July 2020). "Forensic Science Laboratory rules out foul play in Sushant Singh Rajput's death". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  11. ^ "Viscera report rules out foul play in Sushant death: Official". Deccan Herald. 27 July 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  12. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput case: ED books late actor's friend Rhea Chakraborty, she says 'truth shall prevail'". The Indian Express. 31 July 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020. In the FIR, registered at Patna's Rajiv Nagar police station on July 25…
  13. ^ "From theft to cheating: Sushant Singh Rajput's father charges against Rhea Chakraborty". Hindustan Times. 29 July 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  14. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput's Father Files Case Against Actor Rhea Chakraborty". NDTV.com. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  15. ^ "Was Sushant Singh Rajput driven to suicide?". India Today. 28 July 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  16. ^ "Rhea Chakraborty alleges Sushant Singh Rajput's father KK Singh falsely implicating her in actor's death case". DNA India. 31 July 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  17. ^ "Rhea Chakraborty says she was in live-in with Sushant Singh Rajput for a year, his father used 'influence' to rope her in case". Hindustan Times. 31 July 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  18. ^ "Sushant's father files FIR against Rhea for abetment to suicide". National Herald. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  19. ^ "'Shocked, Tragic Loss': Bollywood Celebs, Cricketers, Ministers Mourn Sushant Singh Rajput's Death". Outlook. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  20. ^ "Bollywood actor's death fuels mental health debate". BBC News. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  21. ^ "Bollywood in shock after Sushant Singh Rajput's sudden demise". Mumbai Mirror. 14 June 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  22. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput death | Reactions". The Hindu. 14 June 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  23. ^ "Karan Johar | Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case: Complaint against Salman, Karan Johar, Ekta in Bihar court over Sushant S Rajput's death". The Economic Times. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  24. ^ Bhasin, Swati (editor) (15 June 2020). "Delete: Cops' Warning For Social Media Users On Sushant Singh Rajput Pics". NDTV. Retrieved 31 July 2020. {{cite news}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  25. ^ Ramakrishnan, P (31 July 2020). "Sushant Singh Rajput suicide: Bollywood actor's death reveals dark side of obsessive fans – copycat deaths, harassment, mob mentality". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  26. ^ Press Trust of India (23 July 2020). "Upset About Actor's Death, Minor Girl Kills Self In Chhattisgarh". Republic TV. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  27. ^ "Rhea Chakraborty requests Amit Shah for CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's death". Hindustan Times. 16 July 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  28. ^ "We don't think he committed suicide, police must investigate, says Sushant Singh Rajput's maternal uncle". ANI News. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  29. ^ "PM Modi acknowledges Subramanian Swamy's letter demanding CBI investigation in Sushant Singh Rajput death case". DNA India. 25 July 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  30. ^ "Shekhar Suman creates #justiceforSushantforum demanding CBI probe into actors death". Outlook. 24 June 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  31. ^ "Shekhar Suman backs out of 'Justice for Sushant Singh Rajput' crusade, says family's silence is making him 'uncomfortable'". Hindustan Times. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  32. ^ Khan, Faizan (17 July 2020). "CBI Probe Not Needed In Sushant Singh Rajput Case: Anil Deshmukh". Mid Day. Retrieved 17 July 2020. 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.
  33. ^ Roy, Tulip (23 July 2020). "Sushant Singh Rajput's Fans Digitally Protest, Manage To Cross 1 Million Tweets". Republic TV. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  34. ^ ABP News Bureau (23 July 2020). "#Candle4SSR: Digital Protest For Sushant Singh Rajput Continues As It Crosses 1 Million Tweets!". ABP News. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  35. ^ Dutta Roy, Divyanshu (29 July 2020). "Won't Transfer Sushant Singh Rajput Case To CBI, Says Maharashtra Home Minister". NDTV. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  36. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput suicide: Case filed against Karan Johar, Salman Khan, Ekta Kapoor in Bihar". India Today. 17 June 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  37. ^ PTI (8 July 2020). "Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case: Bihar court dismisses plea against Karan Johar, Salman Khan". India Today.
  38. ^ Kurian, Joel (19 July 2020). "Full interview: Kangana Ranaut speaks to Arnab, talks about Sushant Singh Rajput case". Republic World. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  39. ^ Kapoor, Chetna (19 July 2020). "Kangana Ranaut speaks to Arnab, asks 'Why was Mahesh Bhatt counselling Sushant Singh?'". Republic World. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  40. ^ "What Sushant endured! Distraught Simi Garewal applauds Kangana Ranaut". India Today. 19 July 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  41. ^ "'People bashing Kangana need to see this': Netizens react to AR Rahman's comment about 'gang spreading rumours'". DNA India. 25 July 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  42. ^ Mukherjee, Nairita (21 July 2020). "Tuesday Trivia: What changed Amitabh Bachchan and Kader Khan's friendship? Just a title, Sir ji". India Today. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  43. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput to be cremated at Pawan Hans crematorium". The Week. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  44. ^ Kumar, Vineeta (15 June 2020). "Sushant Singh Rajput's Funeral Updates: Actor Gets Cremated by Father And Two Sisters". India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News | India.com. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  45. ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput's Funeral: Kriti Sanon, Shraddha Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi And Others Attend". NDTV.com. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
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