Gujarat today in english

The Union government on Wednesday submitted to the Supreme Court that it has accepted Bihar government’s recommendation for a CBI probe in the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The submission came as the Supreme Court said the truth behind the death of a gifted and talented artist like Sushant should come out.

Rajput, aged 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14. Since then, Mumbai police has been probing the case keeping in mind various angles.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, submitted to the apex court that the Bihar government’s recommendation has been accepted and the case has been transferred to the CBI.

SC asks Bihar, Maharashtra, KK Singh’s replies on Rhea’s plea

A bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy directed Maharashtra, Bihar and Rajput’s father Krishna Kishore Singh to file their replies within three days on a plea by Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty. Rhea is seeking the transfer of an FIR, accusing her of abetting the suicide of Rajput, from Patna to Mumbai.

The apex court, which posted the matter for hearing next week, also directed Mumbai Police to place before it the status report of the probe conducted so far in Rajput’s death case.

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"Let the Maharashta government respond to the plea of Rhea Chakraborty and so far as the death of the artist is concerned, that truth should come out," the bench said during the hearing conducted through video-conferencing.

"A gifted and talented artist has passed away in this case," the bench observed, adding that the fundamental issue raised before it is the jurisdiction as to which police would probe it.

Sushant’s father opposes interim order

During the hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Rajput’s father, said he has no difficulty if the apex court examines the case. But, he added, no protective order should be passed in favour of Chakraborty.

Singh alleged that Maharashtra Police is "destroying the evidence" in the case and for the time being, they should be directed to cooperate with Bihar Police in the ongoing probe.

Maharashtra says Patna police has no jurisdiction

Senior advocate R Basant, appearing for Maharashtra, told the bench that Patna Police has no jurisdiction to either lodge an FIR or investigate the matter and this has been made a "political case".

"The incident of quarantining a police officer (of Bihar) has not sent a good message," the bench observed, adding that the Mumbai Police has "good professional reputation".

"Kindly ensure that everything is done in accordance with law," the bench said.

The Maharashtra government told the bench, "We are doing quite a professional job" and it is inappropriate that Mumbai Police is being accused like this.

Rhea demands stay on coercive action against her

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Chakraborty, told the bench that no coercive action be taken against her till the pendency of the matter.

"We want all parties to hold their hands. Lawyers are here and I am sure they have all heard you", the bench observed.

Nitish Kumar recommended a CBI probe

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had on Tuesday recommended CBI probe to the Centre in the sensational case at the request of Rajput’s father. Maharashtra has been opposed to transferring the probe to CBI.

Rhea, who had once allegedly tweeted to the Union Home Minister seeking CBI probe into the matter, had on Tuesday opposed the Bihar government’s move through her lawyer Satish Maneshinde by saying that the decision has "no legal sanctity".

FIR against Rhea Chakraborty

On July 25, Rajput’s father had lodged an FIR at Rajiv Nagar police station in Patna against Chakraborty and six others, including her family members, accusing them of abetting the actor’s suicide.

She has been charged under various sections of IPC such as abetment of suicide, punishment for wrongful restraint, punishment for wrongful confinement, theft in dwelling house, punishment for criminal breach of trust, and cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.

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