Key Points:
- Public Apology Issued: Subhash Chandra, Zee News founder, apologizes to Rhea Chakraborty for media-led vilification after CBI rules Sushant Singh Rajput’s death as suicide.
- CBI Closure Report: The agency finds no evidence of foul play, absolving Chakraborty and others named in the case.
- Media Accountability: Chandra urges news outlets to acknowledge their role in misinformation and calls for courage in apologizing.
- Impact of Media Trials: Chakraborty faced intense scrutiny, trolling, and legal battles that violated her privacy and dignity.
Mumbai: In a significant development, Subhash Chandra, founder of Zee News, has publicly apologized to Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty for the media’s role in vilifying her following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The apology comes after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed its closure report, confirming that Rajput’s death was a suicide and ruling out any foul play.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chandra admitted that Zee News led the charge against Chakraborty during the media frenzy surrounding Rajput’s death. He wrote: “In retrospect, I feel that Rhea Chakraborty was made an accused by the media, led by Zee News through its editor and reporters at the time. I apologize to Rhea, even though I had no direct involvement.”
Chandra also called on other media outlets to take accountability for their actions: “As a mentor of Zee News, I advise them to be brave and apologize. Freedom of expression must not come at the cost of someone’s dignity.”
CBI Confirms Death Was Suicide
The CBI’s closure report marks the end of a five-year investigation into Rajput’s death. The agency found no evidence linking Chakraborty or others named in the FIRs to abetment or criminal misconduct. The forensic analysis conducted by AIIMS and Mumbai’s Cooper Hospital confirmed that Rajput died from asphyxia due to hanging, with no signs of poisoning or strangulation.
The court hearing on the closure report is scheduled for April 8, 2025.
Media Trials and Vilification
The aftermath of Rajput’s death saw a relentless media trial targeting Rhea Chakraborty, who was his partner at the time. News channels aired conspiracy theories accusing her of financial fraud, abetment to suicide, and even murder all without concrete evidence. The coverage fueled public outrage and led to her arrest by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on allegations of procuring marijuana for Rajput.
Chakraborty spent nearly a month in jail before being granted bail. While the NCB case is still pending, the CBI findings have exonerated her from all accusations related to Rajput’s death.
Impact on Rhea Chakraborty
Chakraborty has spoken openly about the toll this ordeal took on her mental health. In interviews, she described facing intense scrutiny, trolling, and legal battles that violated her privacy and dignity. She admitted that forgiving those who vilified her was difficult but necessary for her peace of mind.
Subhash Chandra’s Call for Accountability
Chandra’s apology highlights the dangers of sensationalist reporting and media trials. He urged news outlets to reflect on their role in spreading misinformation: “We must call a spade a spade and ensure accountability in journalism. Freedom of expression is vital, but it should not harm innocent lives.”
A Lesson for Media Ethics
The Sushant Singh Rajput case serves as a cautionary tale about irresponsible journalism and its impact on individuals’ lives. As India grapples with balancing free speech and ethical reporting, Chandra’s apology sets an example for media leaders to prioritize truth over TRPs.
With the CBI officially closing this chapter, Rhea Chakraborty can finally begin moving forward after years of unwarranted vilification a reminder that justice must prevail over sensationalism.
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