–By Snehi Suryash
The Supreme Court heard Rhea Chakraborty’s plea for the second time in connection with Sushant Singh Rajput death case yesterday. Actress Rhea Chakraborty had sought for the transfer of the case from Patna to Mumbai. The matter is heard in SC before Justice Hrishikesh. The case was lodged against her and others in relation to the death of Sushant Singh Rajput
Background of the issue
Bihar Police had registered the FIR against Rhea at Rajiv Nagar police station in Patna. The same being filed on the complaint of Sushant Singh Rajput’s father KK Singh. Rhea Chakraborty has been booked under various sections.
The Mumbai Police had begun a probe into the matter after the FIR was filed in Patna. In this plea, Rhea has questioned the jurisdiction of the Patna authorities in the matter, thus sought for transfer.
Rhea Chakraborty questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at its Mumbai office previous week. The questioning was in connection with a money laundering case linked to Sushant’s death.
According to reports, the investigative agency also questioned Rhea’s brother Showik Chakraborty and Shruti Modi.
After taking over the case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) collected documents related to the actor’s death from Bihar Police. And has also launched a full-scale investigation in the matter.
The CBI had named Chakraborty in its FIR. In an additional affidavit, Chakraborty has also questioned the manner in which the CBI has taken over the probe, apart from registering protest over the media trial being conducted in the case.
In the meanwhile, the Mumbai Police has also submitted its investigation status report in a sealed envelope.
The Mumbai police has informed the Supreme Court that all the initial statements by Sushant Singh Rajput’s family recorded by the State police in connection with his June 14 death do not indicate any suspicion on the cause of death apart from suicide.
Counsels representing the parties
Senior Advocate Maninder Singh appears for Bihar police. Senior Advocate Shyam Divan appears for Rhea Chakraborty. Senior Advocate Vikas Singh for Sushant Singh Rajput’s parents. Senior Advocate AM Singhvi represents the Maharashtra government
Arguments before the single bench
The plea was filed under section 406 of CrPC stating that the FIR filed in Patna have no connection to any offence committed in Patna. And there is considerable delay of over 38 days in filing the FIR. There is also state influence and thus bias.
An affidavit was submitted to the court to show satisfactory investigation going on. Advocate Divan also stated that the FIR filed in Patna is out of jurisdiction. He also negates the charges of wrongful confinement, criminal breach of trust and abetment of suicide.
Responding to which Advocate Maninder contended that there has been complete lapse of investigation on part of Mumbai police. The allegation is against political class in Maharashtra which has stopped even the registering of FIR. A senior officer of Bihar police was put in detention.
He cited Section 178 CrPC to say that at the stage of investigation his power of territorial jurisdiction cannot be challenged. He also highlighted the fact that similar petition of transfer has been dismissed earlier.
Single judge bench reserves order on the transfer petition. The written notes are to be submitted by the parties by tomorrow.
