'They needed someone to hate, she became the scapegoat': Rhea Chakraborty's friend on Sushant Singh Rajput case

The CBI recently announced its decision in the Sushant Singh Rajput case, ruling it as a suicide and dismissing allegations of "poisoning and strangling." Following this, Sushant's then-girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty, who faced an intense and unforgiving media trial, has once again come into the spotlight. Her friend, Nidhi Hiranandani, reflected on the turmoil Rhea¡¯s family endured, emphasising that the "damage can't be undone."

Nidhi shared that, at first, there was disbelief - no one could understand where all the accusations were coming from.

She recalls how devastated Rhea and Showik were. Indrajit and Sandhya had always treated Sushant like family, and he had done the same.

"What Rhea went through was unprecedented," she said, adding that it was painful to see their lives being torn apart. "The family wanted to handle everything with grace, they just wanted it to end."

She also recalled how they desperately sought support, but "nobody wanted to speak for us."

Instead, there was a growing wave of hatred that many were quick to follow. "Nobody cared about the truth, they just needed someone to hate. Rhea became the scapegoat."

Speaking about Riya's brother Showik, she mentioned that at just 23, he was preparing for his CAT exams and had secured admission to top colleges. However, due to the ongoing case, he couldn't attend.

"He had to grow up overnight. From a boy, he became a man who now wants to rebuild his life and bring stability to his family. He lost his youth, his carefree days."

"Rhea lost her career, she couldn't do any films. So much was taken from them," she added.

Sushant Singh Rajput case: All that happened

Late actor Sushant Singh Rajput | Credit: Pinterest

34-year-old Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020.

Initial reports pointed to suicide by hanging, with the Mumbai police launching an investigation. His post-mortem confirmed death due to asphyxia, with no signs of foul play.

In July 2020, Sushant's father, KK Singh, filed an FIR in Patna against Rhea Chakraborty and her family, accusing them of abetment to suicide, financial fraud, and other charges. He claimed Rhea had siphoned off Rs 15 crore from Sushant's account.

The Enforcement Directorate then launched a money laundering probe, questioning Rhea and her brother, Showik.

Soon after, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested Rhea in September 2020 for allegedly procuring drugs for Sushant. She was accused of being part of a Bollywood drug network.

Rhea spent 27 days in Byculla Jail before being granted bail by the Bombay High Court in October, which ruled she was not part of any drug syndicate.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to AASRA at 91-22-27546669 for immediate assistance.

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