Legal Battle Ends: Rahul Raj Singh Discharged after Decade‑Long Probe

After ten years of courtroom battles, the Bombay High Court has freed Rahul Raj Singh from all charges related to the 2016 suicide of actress Pratyusha Banerjee.

The actress, famed for playing Anandi in the serial “Balika Vadhu,” was found hanging in a rented flat in Goregaon West on 1 April 2016. Her mother’s complaint led to charges of abetment of suicide, assault, criminal intimidation and causing hurt (IPC sections 306, 323, 504, 506) against Rahul.

Rahul obtained anticipatory bail in July 2016, and a charge‑sheet was filed two years later. In August 2023, the Dindoshi Sessions Court denied his request for discharge, interpreting witness statements as indicative of severe harassment.

Representing Rahul, senior advocates highlighted the lack of a suicide note, the hurried filing of the FIR, and the last phone conversation where Rahul coaxed Pratyusha not to act and professed his love. They also pointed out that Rahul was the individual who opened the door and attempted to rush her to a hospital.

Justice S.G. Dighe, presiding over the bench, concluded that the evidence did not substantiate an accusation of suicide abetment. Ordering a discharge, the court warned that pursuing a trial would constitute misuse of judicial process. Rahul Raj Singh is now cleared, though the family can still seek a Supreme Court review.