Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case: A timeline of Rhea Chakraborty’s controversy, arrest and clean chit

Rhea Chakraborty and Sushant Singh Rajput started dating in 2019

Rhea Chakraborty, an Indian actress, faced extensive legal and public scrutiny following the death of her boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput, in June 2020.

Rhea faced multiple challenges, legal battles, media scrutiny, and personal hardships in the last five years. However, CBI has recently reported to clear Rhea’s name in the Sushant’s case. Here’s a detailed timeline of events related to her involvement in Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.

Dating and moving in

Rhea Chakraborty and Sushant Singh Rajput started dating in April 2019. Rhea, along with her brother and Sushant, founded the artificial intelligence company Vividrage Rhealityx in September.

The couple soon took the next step in their relationship and moved in together in December of the same year.

Sushant Singh Rajput's death

Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020. The initial reports suggested that he died by suicide. Rhea Chakraborty, his girlfriend, had been living with him until a week prior.

FIR filed against Rhea

Sushant's father, KK Singh, filed a First Information Report (FIR) in Patna on July 25, 2020. He accused Rhea of abetment to suicide, wrongful restraint, wrongful confinement, theft, criminal breach of trust, and cheating of Rs 15 crore.

Investigations by ED, CBI, and NCB

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned Rhea and her brother, Showik Chakraborty, regarding allegations of money laundering linked to Sushant's death on August 7, 2020. They were questioned for hours a

On August 19, the Supreme Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) initiated a probe into alleged drug-related aspects of the case.

Counter filing

Rhea Chakraborty filed a case against Sushant Singh Rajput's family on September 7, 2020, in Bandra police station. She accused Sushant's sisters, Priyanka Singh and Meetu Singh along with a doctor, Dr Tarun Kumar of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Rhea accused them of prescribing fake medical prescriptions for anxiety medication to Sushant without consultation just days before his death.

Arrests and legal proceedings

Rhea was arrested on September 8, 2020, by the NCB on charges of procuring drugs for Sushant. She was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The actress was placed in judicial custody and spent 28 days in Byculla jail. The Bombay High Court granted her bail on October 7.

Court ruling on Rhea’s FIR

In February 2021, the Bombay High Court dismissed the FIR against Sushant’s sister Meetu Singh filed by Rhea. However, the court notably allowed the CBI to continue the investigation against Priyanka Singh.

Also Read: Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer says 'thankful' to CBI for closing Sushant Singh Rajput death case, says, "Rhea Chakraborty had to undergo untold miseries"

Charge sheet filed

The NCB filed a charge sheet in March 2021 naming Rhea, her brother Showik, and others in connection with the drug-related aspects of the case.

Public and professional impact

Rhea Chakraborty faced brutal backlash, trolling and intense media scrutiny after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. Her career and mental health were widely affected by the ongoing proceedings.

The actress also received death threats and derogatory labels on social media platforms. She also faced a downfall in her professional career. However, Rhea made a comeback as a gang leader on the reality show MTV Roadies and launched a podcast titled Chapter 2.

Supreme Court dismisses lookout circular

The Supreme Court dismissed the lookout circular against Rhea and her family in October 2024, providing legal relief after a prolonged ordeal.

CBI gives clean chit to Rhea Chakraborty in Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case

After nearly five years of investigation, the CBI reportedly found no evidence to support claims that anyone drove Sushant to suicide. The report gives a clean chit to Rhea Chakraborty and her family of any wrongdoing, confirming that Sushant took his own life.