SSR probe to cover professional rivalry\, nepotism

MUMBAI: Sleuths investigating the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s are set to widen the ambit of the probe by looking into the allegations of professional rivalry and accusation that certain sections of the film industry did not give him work since he did not have a Bollywood lineage, said people privy to the information.

They said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wants to investigate every possible angle before concluding whether the death was a case of suicide or homicide and whether the actor was driven to suicide by any personal, professional or mental reasons.

Meanwhile, the Narcotics Control Bureau summoned Rajput’s former live-in partner Rhea Chakraborty on Sunday and grilled her for seven hours as part of its probe into the drugs connection to the case. Chakraborty has been summoned again on Monday.

“Before arriving at any conclusion on what led to the actor's death, it will be essential to probe the professional rivalry and ‘Bollywood nepotism’ angle. This will be looked into in due course by the team and whoever is required to be questioned in connection with it will be called in by the agency,” said a senior official, who did not wish to be identified.

“However, so far no summons or communications have been made with the directors or production houses that Rajput was working with. This will be the second leg of the investigation,” said the official.

In response to ET’s queries, a CBI spokesperson declined to comment saying, “Investigation in the case is in progress.” Rajput, 34, was found dead at his Bandra apartment on June 14.

SSR death probe: NCB arrests Rhea's brother Showik Chakraborty and Samuel Miranda in drug link probe

MUMBAI: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Friday placed Showik Chakraborty and Samuel Miranda under arrest in an alleged drug consumption case linked to the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput.While Showik is Rajput’s girlfriend, Rhea’s brother, Miranda was Rajput’s manager. Last week the NCB had booked Rhea, Showik, Miranda and others under certain sections of the NDPS Act based on information received from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).