People from all walks of life have welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to hand over the investigation into actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The apex court ordered the Mumbai Police to hand over all evidence it has collected till now to the CBI.
The Supreme Court said that the FIR registered by the Bihar Police on the basis of a complaint filed by Krishna Kumar Singh, father of the late Bollywood actor, was correct. The court observed that a, "fair, competent and impartial probe" is the need of the hour to end speculation regarding the actor's death.
Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14. The Mumbai Police said that it was suicide and launched an investigation to find out if he was suffering from depression.
When the Bihar Police went to Mumbai to carry out its investigation based on the actor's father's complaint, the Mumbai Police did not cooperate with it. Commenting on this, the Supreme Court said the obstructions created for the Bihar Police team should have been avoided as it gave rise to suspicion.
Justice Hrishikesh Roy said, "In the instant case, the petitioner reposed confidence on Mumbai Police. The records of the case produced before this Court does not prima facie suggest any wrongdoing by the Mumbai Police. However, their obstruction to the Bihar Police team at Mumbai could have been avoided since it gave rise to suspicion on the bonafides of their inquiry."
The CBI has already formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) which is likely to begin its work in Mumbai tomorrow.
Sushant's family issued a statement, saying: "We, Sushant's family, thank our friends, well-wishers. Media and millions of fans worldwide for their love for Sushant and support for us. We are particularly thankful to Shri Nitish Kumar, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Bihar for setting the wheel of justice in motion.
"Now that the country's premier investigating agency has taken over, we believe that all those involved in the dastardly crime will be brought to justice. We believe that public trust in institutions is important, today's development has reaffirmed our faith in India as a robust democracy. We love our country more than ever."
The case which had taken a political hue owing to a tussle between the Bihar and the Maharashtra governments, saw comments by politicians also.
Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar said that there was no politics in the matter and whatever Bihar had done was in accordance with the law. He added that truth has triumphed. On the other hand, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said, "We welcome judgement of Supreme Court and we will provide whatever cooperation is needed by the CBI. It is a matter of pride for Mumbai Police that Supreme Court observed there is no fault found in their investigation."
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy supported the court's order for a CBI probe into Sushant's death.
The film fraternity too welcomed the Supreme Court decision. Noted actor Akshay Kumar said: "SC directs CBI to investigate Sushant Singh Rajput's death. May the truth always prevail."
Actor Parineeti Chopra tweeted: "This is a positive step. Please let's respect this moment, and let the CBI do their work now! Please let's stop speculating and coming to conclusions on our own .. #CBIforSSR #SushanthSinghRajput.".
