Bhubaneswar: Following the CBI’s closure report on actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case, dismissing any foul play, senior IPS officer Arun Bothra on Sunday triggered a debate on influence of social media on criminal investigation with his post on X.
He said that the case “highlights the perils of social media vigilantes meddling in criminal investigations”.
Lauding the Mumbai Police for a solid, professional probe, he added: “People with zero idea about crime investigation can create hype with lies and slanderous comments. But ultimately, only evidence and court verdict hold weight.”
The #SushantSinghRajput case highlights the perils of social media vigilantes meddling in criminal investigations.
Four years ago, countless social media accounts, egged on by TV anchors, vilified the @MumbaiPolice with baseless accusations. Now, it’s clear that the police… https://t.co/ZLFVoTbWoG
— Arun Bothra 🇮🇳 (@arunbothra) March 23, 2025
His post assumed significance amid the demand for a CBI probe into the broad daylight murder of senior BJD leader Naba Das, who was gunned down by a policeman at Brajrajnagar on January 29, 2023. Bothra, who then served as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of Odisha Crime Branch (CID-CB), investigated the case under the monitoring of retired Orissa High Court Justice JP Das.
The Crime Branch has been accused of having failed to give the answer as to why and under what circumstances the accused Gopal Das killed Naba Das.
REACTIONS
Reacting to his post, one user commented: “Sir, public may have 0 idea about crime investigation, but It is equally true that “truth” never comes out , out of such cases. It is suppressed & hidden for reasons, well known to you.”
A similar note of dissent was seen is another post: “Arunji, needless to say though u r an IPS officer, but u have forced me to say, when political meddling of highest order none other than the CM is there, when the evidences are destroyed/not preserved or not taken due care of at the right time, then no matter which ever agency proves nothing will come out, hence the cosure report from CBI. The Maharashtra police have completely botched up the case. अगर रक्षक ही भक्षक हो जाए तो आप क्या न्याय की उम्मीद करेंगे, and that is when Media trial starts. People of this nation are not fools & in this age of social media at its peak, the common people have at least little bit of common sense, so humble request if you cannot assist then don’t support what wrong has been done. At least this little bit is expected from you for the family members of of Sushant.”
Question the delay in filing the closure report, another user qrote: “After 4 Years, CBI files the Closure Report i am surprised. Does it take such a long period knowing it’s a high profile case is a question mark as some where I have read ” Delay in Justice is Injustice” Apart from what the media and social media have shown then.”
Some users also seconded Bothra’s views.
“Very true. Seems there are vested interest social media operators who aim to influence investigation and judgement by creating perceptions to suit their own agenda. But with AI now, it will ease the task of these people to create more convincing narratives. What’s the way out? A common citizen would get swayed away very easily.”
“Her life destroyed by the insensitive media with an single agenda of persecution. Will they ask for forgiveness or compensate her?”
“Very True Sir! It’s unfortunate that political motives stoke social media vigilantism and even mainstream media vigilantism. Something that was also in display in the RG Kar case.”
“Yes sir! Just like Odisha government reopening Naba Das murder investigation without any concrete evidence and mainly on social media reactions and political vendetta considerations. People of Odisha have immense faith on you and your team’s investigation.”
Welcoming the closure report, actor Rhea Chakraborty’s lawyer Satish Maneshinde on Saturday issued a statement, which read: “We are grateful to the CBI for having thoroughly investigated every aspect of the case from all angles and closed the case.”
