Bihar asks for CBI probe in Sushant case

MUMBAI/PATNA: With Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pushing for a CBI probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the state’s home department made a formal request to the Centre on Tuesday seeking an investigation into the FIR lodged by the late actor’s father KK Singh at Rajiv Nagar police station in Patna

Nitish told mediapersons, “Everybody has been demanding a CBI probe in the actor’s case. The matter was also raised in the Bihar assembly on Monday and some MLAs demanded a CBI probe. After seeing the lack of cooperation from Mumbai police in probe by Patna police, I’m also of the view that CBI should conduct an inquiry in the case.” Nitish had criticised the “forced quarantining” of a Bihar IPS officer in Mumbai, hours after he landed in the city to pursue a probe into the Sushant case.

Bihar’s move evoked strong reactions from lawyer Satish Maneshinde who is the lawyer for Rhea Chakraborty, Sushant’s girlfriend and an accused in the abetment to suicide case registered by Patna police. “There can’t be transfer of a case to CBI as the case has no legal basis for Bihar to get involved,’’ he said. “At best it would be a “Zero FIR’’ in Patna and transferable to Mumbai Police.’’

Bihar’s demand for a CBI probe came a day before a hearing in SC on Rhea’s plea, seeking transfer of the case to Mumbai where a probe is on. “One case is pending before SC, while a public interest litigation has been filed before Bombay HC. I’m told both cases are coming up for admission/hearing on Wednesday. Under such circumstances, it will be appropriate to wait for the outcome,’’ said Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh.

Senior counsel Niteen Pradhan said a CBI probe may be justified as it would be prudent to task one agency with the investigation.