Psychological Autopsy: Before Sushant, Sunanda Pushkar Underwent One

Two months into the investigation surrounding actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, the internet has been full of conspiracy theories. But little concrete evidence has been offered to suggest what transpired in the days leading to the actor taking his own life.

The CBI, which took over the probe last week has now announced that it will take things up a notch, and conduct what is called a “psychological autopsy” of the actor’s life.

CBI To Conduct Post-Mortem Of The Mind In Sushant Rajput Case: Sources https://t.co/s1E7mqmXhk pic.twitter.com/XnIIOd0Utz

— NDTV (@ndtv) August 24, 2020

According to reports, this will be carried out by the CBI’s Central Forensic Laboratory, and will involve a detailed study of every aspect of the actor’s life, including a deep- dive into the actor’s WhatsApp chats and conversations with friends and family.

The CBI will also study patterns related to the actor’s mood swings and personal idiosyncrasies, NDTV reported, in an attempt to get a composite picture of Rajput’s mental health on the day he is said to have taken his life.

The process is a complex one, sources in the CBI said, and has been applied only twice in the recent past — once during investigations into the sudden death of Sunanda Pushkar, and again after the horrific mass suicide in Burari, Delhi two years ago.

On the basis of medico-legal&forensic evidence analysed during investigation as well as opinion of Psychological Autopsy experts, Sunanda Pushkar case investigated by SIT of South District, has been charge-sheeted u/s 306/498-A IPC. The matter now is sub-judice: Delhi Police Spox pic.twitter.com/fdoooaBIzK

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018

The CBI has, meanwhile, approached experts at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences to assist with its investigations, The Times of India said. A four-member team from the hospital will now help analyse the forensic report.

On Thursday, the actor’s close friend Siddharth Pithani, who is believed to have been the first to find his body, and Neeraj, a cook who worked at the home of the actor, were questioned by the investigating agency. They were also taken to Rajput’s Bandra home to recreate the events of the day, reports said.

Mumbai: Siddharth Pithani (Sushant Singh Rajput’s friend) & Neeraj, who was working as a cook at Sushant’s residence, arrive at DRDO guest house, where CBI team investigating the actor’s death case, is staying. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/YSd9LzUK2R

— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2020

The case was transferred to the CBI by the Supreme Court last Friday, following immense pressure from fans — who call themselves SSR Warriors on social media — to conduct an independent investigation into the case.

Humanity wins, congratulations to each one of SSR warriors, first time I felt such strong force of collective consciousness, AMAZING 👏👏👏#CBITakesOver

— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) August 19, 2020

With the thousands of conspiracy theories continuing to do the rounds, and a massive slander campaign launched against Rajput’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, hopefully the CBI will clear the air around what is the most controversial celebrity death in the country’s recent history.