Filmmaker Aditya Chopra records statement for Sushant Singh Rajput's death case

Filmmaker and Yash Raj Films (YRF) chairman Aditya Chopra on Saturday (July 18) recorded his statement with the Mumbai Police in connection with the case of actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, an official said.

Police have sought information about a contract signed between Rajput and YRF from Chopra, who visited Versova police station this morning and left after four hours, the official said.

Abhishek Trimukhe DCP for Zone 9 confirmed the development and told Hindustan Times, “We have recorded his statement in an ongoing investigation of Sushant’s death.”

The Chhichore actor (34) was found hanging at his apartment in Mumbai on June 14. No suicide note was found at the spot by the police.

The police are investigating allegations that professional rivalry, besides clinical depression, drove the actor to suicide.

Police are also trying to understand the reason behind Rajput ending his contract with YRF, the official said.

Earlier, the police had recorded statement of YRF’s casting director Shanoo Sharma.

The police have recorded statements of 34 persons, including Rajput’s family members and close friends like actors Rhea Chakraborty and Sanjana Sanghi, in connection with the case so far.

According to Hindustan Times, this included Rajput’s cook Neeraj Singh, house help Keshav Bachner, manager Deepesh Sawant, creative manager Siddharth Ramnathmurti Pithani, sisters Neetu and Meetu Singh, father KK singh, television actor Mahesh Shetty, casting director Mukesh Chhabra, business manager Shruti Modi, PR manager Ankita Tehlani, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and employees of Yash Raj Films, among others.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Friday (July 17) dismissed the need for a CBI probe into the case of Rajput’s death, saying the Mumbai police are capable of handling the matter. “I have the tweets and the campaign. But I don’t think that a CBI probe is required. The Mumbai Police is competent enough to handle such cases and they are investigating every aspect of the case including professional rivalry. As of now, we do not see any foul play. Details of the investigation will be shared once it is completed,” Hindustan Times quoted him as saying to Mid-Day.

On Thursday (July 16), Rhea Chakraborty had sought a CBI inquiry from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to understand what “pressures” prompted Rajput to take the step of suicide.

Rajput starred in films such as PK, Shuddh Desi Romance, Raabta, Kedarnath, and Sonchiriya. He debuted in the film Kai Po Che, which was released in 2013. His most prominent role came as cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the biopic, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story.

(With inputs from agencies)