Sushant's death probe: Film-maker Mahesh Bhatt records statement

Film-maker Mahesh Bhatt recorded his statement on Monday (July 27) in connection with Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide last month in his house in Bandra.

The director joined the police probe into the Sushant’s death by giving his statement at Santacruz police station at 11:30 am before before Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Trimukhe.

Apart from Mahesh Bhatt, actress Kangana Ranaut and Karan Johar’s manager have been called in for questioning. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Sunday said that Bollywood biggie Karan Johar might be called in too if required.

The police have so far questioned a few Bollywood personalities in the case, including casting director Mukesh Chhabra, Yash Raj Films (YRF) Chairman Aditya Chopra, YRFs casting director Shanoo Sharma and film critic Rajeev Masand.
The police are investigating allegations that professional rivalry, besides clinical depression, drove the actor to suicide.

“Summons have also been sent to actor Kangana Ranaut, asking her to record her statement,” the minister said. However the actress’s team has responded saying she has been in Manali since March 17 and has requested police to send a team to the state to interrogate her in person due to the travel restrictions.

After Rajputs suicide at his apartment in Mumbai last month, Ranaut had lashed out at nepotism and cartels in Bollywood, alleging that he was its victim.

Deshmukh said that police have so far recorded statements of 37 people in connection with the case.

The “Chhichore” actor, 34, was found hanging at his apartment in Mumbai on June 14. Rajput starred in films such as “Shuddh Desi Romance”, “Raabta”, “Kedarnath” and “Sonchiriya”. But his most prominent role came as cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the biopic- “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story”.

His latest film Dil Bechara premiered on Hotstar on July 24, garnering emotional response and love from the late actor’s fans and loved ones.

(With input from agencies)