Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty has been vindicated after India's federal investigators informed a court that she played no role in the suicide of her late boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Rajput, who had battled mental health issues, was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020. Following his passing, Chakraborty became a target of a vicious media campaign that labeled her as a "gold digger" and "murderer," leading to her arrest and a 27-day imprisonment.
Lawyer Satish Maneshinde, representing Chakraborty, stated that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had conducted a thorough investigation, ultimately concluding that neither Chakraborty nor her family were responsible for Rajput's death. He emphasized the undue hardship Chakraborty endured, calling for reflection on the damaging effects of the media's portrayal of her. Legal experts and feminist advocates criticized the misogynistic narrative that enveloped the case, highlighting the need for society to reconsider its judgmental attitudes.
Chakraborty has refrained from public comment since the CBI's recent findings. However, her brother Showik, who faced legal issues related to the case, expressed their family's relief through a social media post affirming their belief in the truth. Amidst this challenging period, Chakraborty has attempted to rebuild her career, venturing into motivational speaking, business, and reality television.
Despite the vindication, the damaging impact of the media trial lingers. Calls have emerged on social platforms urging media outlets to apologize for their role in defaming Chakraborty and for sensationalizing the narrative surrounding Rajput's death. The backlash against media practices has also been echoed in Indian parliament, showcasing the widespread concern regarding the character assassination faced by Chakraborty during a tumultuous time.
This situation raises pertinent questions about the responsibilities of the media in reporting sensitive stories and the societal inclination to vilify women in high-profile scandals.
