New Delhi: Adding another layer to the controversy surrounding the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the Centre has now accepted the Bihar government’s recommendation for a CBI probe into the case.
This was informed to the Supreme Court by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta today.
The court was hearing Rhea Chakraborthy’s plea seeking transfer of an FIR filed against her by Sushant Singh Rajput’s father from Patna to Mumbai and a stay on the investigation by the Bihar police.
The plea filed by Rhea states the FIR in Patna alleging abetment to suicide charges against her is nothing but an act of “connivance” between the State of Bihar and the father of the late Actor.
Justice Hrishikesh Roy said: “Rajput was a talented artist who passed away under unusual circumstances. If there is criminality involved, it needs to be investigated.”
He added: “Everyone has an opinion about high profile cases, but we will proceed as per law. Let the Maharashtra government respond to what Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has submitted.
Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Rhea, pleaded that a protective order be passed in favour of the petitioner. However, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the Rajput family, raised objections and submitted that no protective order should be passed as it could lead to tampering of evidence.
Justice Roy was not pleased with the quarantining of the Bihar police in Maharashtra and said: “The quaratining of the Bihar police does not send a good message. The confinement ..does it send a good message? Especially when the case has garnered so much media attention? State of Maharashtra has to ensure that everything is done in professional way.”
SG Mehta submitted that one party wants the investigation to be done by Bihar Police and the other wants the Maharashtra police to probe the case, however it will be better if the Centre takes the probe.
Read Also: Another plea in SC for CBI probe into Rajput death
The bench has granted three days to all parties to file reply. State of Maharashtra has been directed to update on state of investigation by Mumbai police. Matter to be listed next week.
– India Legal Bureau