Even as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has asserted that it has 'jurisdiction' to probe the Sushant Singh Rajput's death-related cases, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday went on to hear bail applications of two of the prime accused -- actress Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik Chakraborty.
As usual, the NCB opposed the bail plea of Rhea Chakraborty. Opposing their bail pleas, the NCB said that as per the directions of the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation would take over the Sushant probe, if any new cases are registered on the late actor's death and the surrounding circumstances of his unnatural death, but it (the directions) did not pertain to the present (drugs) cases registered under the NDPS Act, 1985.
The NCB reiterated its earlier stance that Rhea was "an active member of the drug syndicate connected with high society personalities and drug suppliers", besides her involvement in procuring and financing the drugs, which was revealed in her statement recorded by the NCB.
On the other hand, in her bail plea filed through lawyer Satish Maneshinde, Rhea has argued that that the NCB had no jurisdiction to probe this case since the matter was transferred to the CBI as per the SC verdict.
While arguing for Rhea Chakraborty, Maneshinde said, " Rhea was Sushant's girlfriend. She lived with him till the 8th of June. After they traveled abroad (Europe) and came back, he developed some mental issues. He was consulting about 5 doctors. It was revealed to doctors that he was consuming ganja. Doctors had advised him not to consume narcotic substances."
"On the 8th of June, there were messages exchanged between Sushant and his sister in Delhi, who advised him to take some medicines. Rhea objected to Sushant taking those drugs without a doctor's prescription and they had an argument. Rhea left his home after that," Maneshinde added.
He also said, " There was no contact with Sushant after June 9. Rhea blocked his number. Unfortunately, he was found dead on June 14. CBI interrogated Rhea on multiple occasions. On August 28, NCB came into action. As on today, 20 persons have been arrested by NCB. "
"Out of them, 5 accused are released on bail by the Magistrate's court on the first day itself only because Section 27A was not invoked against them. Of the accused in custody, apart from Section 27A, other offenses are identical," Maneshinde added.
The bail hearing is still underway and it will be interesting to see what verdict the Bombay High Court gives.