SSR death: MVA refuses to transfer case to CBI

MUMBAI: The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government on Tuesday refused to transfer Sushant Singh Rajput’s case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) saying that the state has full faith in the Mumbai police.

Shiv Sena leader and transport minister Anil Parab said that the suicide case has turned into a political slug fest for the political benefit. He also alleged that efforts are being made to tarnish the image of a Yuva leader by its opponent.

Those who have evidence can come forward and prove their allegations pertaining to whether Aaditya Thackeray was present in the party or not. Meanwhile, other two constituents of MVA — Congress and NCP slammed chief minister Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government for recommending a CBI probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, saying the move encroaches upon rights of the state government and helps the BJP in “destruction” of the Constitution.

"Nitish Kumar is the head of the Bihar administration. He should speak about what is happening in Bihar. This case has acquired political colour and everyone is trying to derive a mileage out of it,” Mr Parab told reporters when asked about the Bihar government recommending a CBI investigation.

He alleged the opposition BJP was questioning the ability of the Mumbai police by pushing for a probe by the Central agency. “How many suicide cases have you handed over to the CBI in the last five years? Why is the CBI probe being demanded only in this case? There is politics involved. The state government stands with the Mumbai police,” he said.

He added that state tourism minister and chief minister Uddhav Thackeray’s son Aaditya Thackeray is nowhere linked to the case. “Allegations are being made in this connection to malign the image of the chief minister,” he said. Parab alleged that political opponents of the Sena have engaged into this conspiracy (against the Thackerays). “If anybody has any evidence that Aaditya Thackeray is related to this case, they can present the same and then we will speak,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister and NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik said the Nitish Kumar government was probably trying to divert attention from its “failure” in combating Covid-19 by recommending a CBI probe.

“Tomorrow, for instance, suppose a case is registered against a person living in Mumbai for a crime that has taken place in Uttar Pradesh, will the Maharashtra government too register a case in Mumbai and go for investigation in Uttar Pradesh? It is a question of jurisdiction,” Malik said. He said the way the Bihar government is behaving, it is creating a crisis. “It is akin to encroaching upon the rights of another state, which is not healthy in a democratic set up,” he added.