Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Rhea Chakraborty challenges CBI’s lookout circular, moves Bombay HC

Actress Rhea Chakraborty has moved Bombay High Court against CBI’s lookout circular. She challenged the circular issued against her by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case. Rhea has been granted bail and hopes to travel abroad owing to a professional commitment.

The case

Rhea’s counsel Abhinav Chandrachud, on Friday, pleaded with Bombay High Court for the circular to be quashed. Rhea also applied for temporary suspension of the circular since she has to travel abroad soon. The court noted that it has been three years since Sushant Singh Rajput’s father filed an FIR against Rhea, thus leading to her arrest and thus, the issuance of the circular. The actress’ counsel went on to tell the court that the CBI did not issue any summons or file a chargesheet against Rhea. In response, CBI’s advocate Shriram Shirsat said that the agency has filed an affidavit in response to the plea. Upon further investigation, the court learned that Rhea had got permission from NDPS court to travel abroad. She could not do so owing to the circular. The matter will now be heard on December 20.

Sushant Singh Rajput death case

Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14, 2020. The actor’s sudden demise left the world in shock and immense grief. Although initial reports claimed that Sushant died by suicide (strangling), the investigations continued after doubt of foul play in his demise. Sushant’s father had alleged that Sushant’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty abetted his suicide. Thus, a case was lodged against her and the actress was arrested.

Rhea and brother in prison

The case was transferred from Mumbai Police to the CBI. Rhea and her brother Showik Chakraborty were arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in a drugs case related to Sushant’s demise. Both were granted bail but were issued the circular in August 2020 which affirms that they cannot travel abroad.