ED summons Rhea Chakraborty to appear on Aug 7
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned actor Rhea Chakraborty for questioning on Friday in a money laundering probe stemming from a complaint filed by Sushant Singh Rajput's father with the Bihar Police in connection with his death, officials said on Wednesday.
They said Chakraborty, 28, has been asked to depose before the investigating officer of the case on August 7.
Once she appears, the actor is expected to be questioned about her friendship with Rajput, possible business dealings and the developments that took place over the last few years between them.
Her statement will be recorded by the agency under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The summons are linked to a money laundering case that was registered by the ED on July 31 on the basis of a Bihar Police FIR in which Sushant Singh Rajput's 74-year-old father K K Singh had accused actress Rhea Chakraborty and her family of abetting the Bollywood actor's suicide.
Rajput, 34, was found hanging in his apartment in Mumbai's Bandra area on June 14.
The central probe agency also questioned Sushant's house manager in Mumbai on Wednesday in this case.
It had grilled the deceased actor's Chartered Accountant (CA) Sandeep Shridhar on August 3.
Under the ED's scanner are at least two companies linked to Rajput and some financial deals involving Chakraborty and her brother Showik.
The ED case, registered on July 31, has been filed against the accused named in the Bihar Police FIR that includes Chakraborty, her family and six others.
Rajput's father, who resides in Patna, had last month lodged the complaint with the Bihar Police against Chakraborty, her family members and six others for abetment to suicide of his son and fraud.
Singh has accused Chakraborty, purported girlfriend of Rajput, of having befriended his son in May 2019 with the intention of furthering her own career.
The father also wanted a police investigation to ascertain where the Rs 15 crore, which he claimed was deposited in a bank account held by Rajput, had been transferred.
The Mumbai police is also probing the alleged suicide case, and has questioned several top Bollywood producers and directors in this case.
Chakraborty had released a video statement soon after the ED case was filed.
"I have immense faith in god and the judiciary. I believe that I will get justice. Even though a lot of horrible things are being said about me on the electronic media, I refrain from commenting on the advice of my lawyers as the matter is sub-judice. Satyamev Jayate, the truth shall prevail," she had said in the message.
The Supreme Court, while hearing Chakraborty's plea for transferring the Bihar Police FIR to the Mumbai Police, on Wednesday said that truth behind the "unfortunate" death of a "gifted and talented artist" (Rajput) should come out even as the Centre apprised it of having accepted the Bihar government's recommendation for a CBI probe in the matter.
Rajput starred in films like 'Shuddh Desi Romance', 'Raabta', 'Kedarnath', 'Chhichhore' and 'Sonchiriya'. His most prominent role was in cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni's biopic 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story'.
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Indian student dies after suffering severe injuries in house fire in US
New York (PTI): A 24-year-old Indian student in the US has died after suffering severe injuries in a house fire, according to the Indian mission here.
Sahaja Reddy Udumala was pursuing a Master’s degree in Albany, New York.
The Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X on Friday (local time) that it is “deeply saddened by the untimely demise” of Udumala, who lost her life in the house fire incident in Albany.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time,” the Consulate said, adding that it is in touch with Udumala’s family and is extending all possible assistance.
The Albany Police Department said in a statement that its personnel and the Albany Fire Department responded to the house fire on the morning of December 4.
When they arrived at the scene, officers and firefighters found the residence fully engulfed in flames and learned that several individuals were still inside the home.
They were able to locate four adult victims inside the residence, who were treated on scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to a hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries.
Two of the victims were later transferred to a medical burn centre for further treatment.
“Tragically, the adult female victim succumbed to her injuries she sustained in the fire,” the police department said.
It did not release the victim’s name pending notification of kin but the deceased has been identified as Udumala by her family.
A fundraiser has been launched by Udumala’s cousin Rathna Gopu to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation and transportation arrangements, immediate family support and additional expenses resulting from the tragic accident.
“…our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when our beloved cousin, Sahaja Udumala, passed away following a devastating fire accident.
"Sahaja was just 24 years old, a bright and hardworking student pursuing her Master’s degree in Albany, NY, with a future full of dreams, hope, and promise,” Gopu said on the fundraiser.
Gopu added that Udumala sustained severe burn injuries affecting nearly 90 per cent of her body.
“She struggled immensely, fighting with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to worsen, and she ultimately experienced complete organ failure, leading to her passing this morning,” Gopu said, adding that Udumala was known for her kindness, determination, and the warmth she shared with everyone around her.
“Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and facing unexpected emotional and financial hardships.”
So far, over USD 109,000 have been raised through donations out of the total amount of USD 120,000.
