Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty is breathing a sigh of relief as India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has cleared her of any involvement in the death of her boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The investigation, presented in a Mumbai court, confirmed that Rajput's death in June 2020 was a suicide, marking the end of a painful ordeal for Chakraborty, who faced severe media backlash and harassment.
Chakraborty was labeled a "gold digger" and "murderer" after Rajput's death, enduring relentless public scrutiny and spending 27 days in prison. Her lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, emphasized that the CBI's findings dispelled the false narrative surrounding her case, urging the media to acknowledge the harm caused by their hounding.
Feminist lawyer Payal Chawla condemned the misogynistic portrayal of Chakraborty. The actress has avoided public comment but was recently spotted with her family, who also faced accusations during this tumultuous time.
The sensational nature of Rajput's death captured national attention, with media coverage becoming a frenzy that often vilified Chakraborty without substantial evidence. Despite the challenges, she has since focused on rebuilding her career through motivational speaking and launching her clothing line.
While Chakraborty’s future actions regarding potential defamation cases against her detractors remain uncertain, public sentiment is shifting, with calls for media outlets to apologize for their roles in the harassment she suffered. As conversations surrounding accountability in media intensify, Chakraborty's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of online judgment and sensationalism.
