The twists and turns the Sushant Singh Rajput case has been taking since the time of his unnatural death, have raised more questions than furnishing answers. The most befuddling aspect of the matter is that when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the actor’s demise, both the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Enforcement Directorate are providing diversions from the principal issue; what the nation wishes to know is how did Sushant die? Was it a case of suicide or murder? In fact, the CBI is fully equipped to deal with even the aspects the NCB and ED are highlighting. The impression that is being rightly or wrongly created is that these two agencies were inadvertently or deliberately undermining the role of the CBI.
During the past 45 days since the ED has been involved, it has failed so far to throw any light on the instances of alleged financial irregularities linking Sushant and his live-in partner, Rhea Chakraborty. The NCB has arrested some people including Rhea’s brother and the late actor’s house manager, on a drug charge, without making any material recoveries, thereby raising doubts whether these arrests would actually lead to convictions. TV Channels are engaged in sensationalising the drug consumption angle in the film industry. It is generally well-known that the use of drugs is not uncommon amongst the rich and famous. The point that needs to be gone into is: Were the central agencies and Mumbai Police not aware of the rampant use of narcotics and psychotropic substances in the past, or had earlier consciously decided to ignore the illegal activity? Why should action not be taken against officials of these agencies as well as Mumbai Police who despite being acquainted with the rave parties of top actors never took any action? It makes it a case of complicity as well.
The CBI on its part is going about its task in a meticulous manner. However, its detectives have as yet not been able to establish the cause of Sushant’s death. The sooner this is done, the better it would be since certain clarity regarding the issue shall be out in the open. Telly anchors have taken positions from which they are finding it difficult to retract. Consequently, while contradicting each other on a daily basis, they have tried to derail an objective and non-prejudicial investigation. To make matters worse, publicity-seeking actress Kangana Ranaut has now jumped into the fray and has ruffled feathers for no rhyme or reason. She has demanded that a drug test should be conducted on some of the top Bollywood stars, who regularly consume cocaine. Simultaneously, she has lashed out at Mumbai Police and has drawn comparisons of Mumbai with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Her observations have whipped up regional sentiments with several Mumbaikars demanding that she should not return to the city that has given her so much. This is most unfortunate. The short point is that the Sushant case needs a closure more than anything else.