CBI Rules Out Embezzlement in Sushant Singh Rajput Case, Finds ₹16.8 Lakh Spent on Rhea Not Misuse of Funds

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has concluded that late actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s expenditure of ₹16.80 lakh on Rhea Chakraborty during their 14-month live-in relationship cannot be classified as embezzlement. The findings, part of the agency’s closure report, mark a significant development in the high-profile case surrounding Rajput’s death on June 14, 2020.

The CBI report stated that Chakraborty’s finances between January 2019 and March 2020 showed an income of ₹41.99 lakh and expenditure of ₹31.35 lakh. She had purchased a Bandra East flat worth around ₹80 lakh, partly funded through a ₹50 lakh HDFC housing loan and ₹30.49 lakh from her personal savings. Investigators found no evidence that Rajput’s funds were used for this property.

“Rhea was in a live-in relationship with Sushant and treated as part of the family. In such circumstances, expenses worth ₹16.80 lakh over 14 months cannot be termed siphoning or criminal breach of trust,” the report stated.

However, Rajput’s family lawyer, Varun Singh, criticised the CBI’s findings as “narrow,” arguing that the financial relationship and dependency contributed to the actor’s mental distress and could form part of an abetment case.

The CBI also sought the opinion of AIIMS Delhi’s medical board, which clarified that the medicines prescribed to Rajput were appropriate treatments for depression and anxiety disorders, ruling out any overdose.

Additionally, the report found no evidence of threats, intimidation, or property-related coercion. Messages retrieved from Rajput’s phone indicated no such concerns. While the CBI has closed the financial and intimidation angles, Rajput’s family plans to seek an independent medical review of his treatment history.