In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the Bombay High Court’s decision to nullify the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) lookout circular against actress Rhea Chakraborty and her family. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the Chakraborty family, who have faced prolonged scrutiny following the 2020 death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
The CBI had issued the lookout circulars in 2020 as a response to an FIR filed by Rajput’s family in Patna. The FIR called for an investigation into Rajput’s tragic death, which was initially attributed to suicide. Following the family’s complaint, the case was transferred to the CBI, leading to a widespread and highly publicized investigation.
Supreme Court Bench Criticizes CBI and Maharashtra Government
The Supreme Court Bench expressed disappointment with the CBI and Maharashtra government for challenging the Bombay High Court’s cancellation order, suggesting that the challenge was driven by the high-profile nature of the accused.
“Simply because the accused belong to a high-profile family should not be grounds for the CBI or state to contest a ruling without substantiated evidence,” the Bench noted.
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The Bombay High Court had previously quashed the lookout circulars, citing insufficient grounds for their issuance. The court emphasized that Rhea Chakraborty, along with her father Lt. Colonel Indrajit Chakraborty, brother Showik Chakraborty, and mother Sandhya Chakraborty, had deep roots in society and had cooperated fully with investigative authorities.
Allegations of Money Laundering and Media Trials
Following Sushant Singh Rajput’s passing, Rhea Chakraborty and her family were entangled in an alleged money laundering investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This probe centered on accusations from Rajput’s family, who alleged that Chakraborty unlawfully transferred Rs 15 crore from the late actor’s account and manipulated him into despair.
The legal proceedings and media coverage surrounding the case became a significant focus for the nation, further intensifying public interest and media scrutiny.
A Pivotal Moment in the Ongoing Investigation
This Supreme Court ruling is viewed as a critical turning point for the Chakraborty family, particularly in light of the allegations they faced. With the quashing of the lookout circular upheld, the focus now shifts back to the investigation and potential closure for those involved.
