A wave of public outrage and demands for accountability have erupted across India after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officially cleared actress Rhea Chakraborty of any wrongdoing in the death of Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput. The agency’s closure report, filed on March 22, 2025, concluded that Rajput’s death on June 14, 2020, was a suicide, with no evidence of foul play—effectively exonerating Chakraborty after years of intense scrutiny.
Following the CBI’s findings, public anger has shifted toward mainstream media, with calls for a formal apology from news channels accused of running a sensationalist, agenda-driven campaign against Chakraborty. Times Now, Republic TV, and India Today are among those facing sharp criticism for their relentless coverage that many believe vilified Chakraborty without evidence.
Many critics have singled out Republic TV’s Arnab Goswami, whose aggressive campaigns were seen as fueling a trial by media that deeply impacted Chakraborty’s personal and professional life.
Rhea Chakraborty, who faced serious allegations of abetment to suicide and drug-related charges, spent a month in jail in 2020, endured public harassment, and was virtually blacklisted from Bollywood.
Her lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, welcomed the CBI’s findings, stating:
“We are grateful to the CBI for a thorough investigation. The false narratives in the media were uncalled for, and innocent people were hounded. I hope this isn’t repeated.”
He also praised Chakraborty and her family for showing remarkable resilience despite enduring “inhuman treatment.”
The Opposition has also criticized the BJP, accusing the party of exploiting the case for political gain in Bihar, where Rajput hailed from. Critics argue that media narratives were amplified to target the Maharashtra government at the time.
As a special court in Mumbai deliberates on whether to accept the CBI’s closure report or order further investigation, the demand for media accountability is growing louder. Many netizens are urging Chakraborty to file defamation lawsuits, while others are questioning whether the media will acknowledge the damage inflicted on her life and career.