Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 1, 2020)

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt doesn’t believe in jumping to conclusions until something has been proven. And he applies the same principle for ongoing investigation in the case of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.

Commenting on the late actor’s father K K Singh, filing an FIR, against Rajput’s girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty, Bhatt says, “Everyone is innocent until proved guilty, that is the law of land, let’s not come to any conclusion about how Rhea might be involved in this. This is an accusation from a father who is much grieved. While one can’t say that the father is wrong about whatever he is quoting, but there are always two sides to a story.”

Bhatt for instance, refers to the accusation that crores were withdrawn from Rajput’s accounts. “It’s possible that money was spent somewhere. I am not certain that we should run to any conclusion until the law comes to an investigative conclusion,” he adds.

Chakraborty recently filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking transfer of probe to Mumbai police after FIR in Patna. However, the family has filed a caveat with the court to not allow the actress’ petition to be heard in the court.

Commeting on Rhea’s petition, Bhatt, 51, feels that it could be a simple matter of convenience. “If the case is in Bihar, she will have to go there all the time. She is not denying investigation,” he says.

Asserting that Chakraborty is also fighting a ‘perception battle’, the director adds, “I have been around here enough to know how perception can be created. It can be a very dangerous, so I wouldn’t like to join the bandwagon that wants to be a part of a witch hunt.”

On filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt being questioned by Mumbai police as part of probe, he says that mere questioning doesn’t suggests involvement. “A lot of people have been called in. That doesn’t mean they are directly or indirectly involved,” he adds.
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Ankita backs FIR by family, says Sushant couldn’t be depressed
Actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s ex-girlfriend, Ankita Lokhande, finally broke her silence on his death and said that Rajput couldn’t have been ‘depressed’. Speaking to a TV channel, she said, “Sushant was not the guy who could commit suicide. We have seen worse situations when we were together. He was a happy-go-lucky guy. He might be upset, anxious, yes, but depression is a big word.” In another TV interview, Lokhande also supported the FIR filed by his family and said, “If papa has done this FIR then I’m sure they have proof.” Meanwhile, Bihar Police, probing the case, questioned the actor at her Mumbai residence.