In India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is often hailed as the nation’s most trusted investigative body, tasked with cracking the toughest cases. Whenever a high-profile crime or mystery grips the public—be it a celebrity death or a corruption scandal—citizens demand, “Hand it over to the CBI!” The expectation is clear: the CBI will uncover the truth and deliver justice. But in recent years, a string of unresolved cases and questionable investigations have left many wondering: Is the CBI truly independent, or has it become a mere puppet dancing to political tunes? From the Sushant Singh Rajput case to the Aarushi Talwar murder, let’s explore why India’s top agency is losing public trust and examine the systemic issues at play.
1. Sushant Singh Rajput Case: A Mystery Dragged On for Years
On June 14, 2020, the death of Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput shocked India. Found dead in his Mumbai apartment, the 34-year-old actor’s case was initially ruled a suicide by the Mumbai Police. However, his family, fans, and even politicians cried foul, alleging murder and demanding a CBI probe. The public outcry was deafening—millions believed the CBI would unearth a hidden conspiracy.
In August 2020, following a Supreme Court order, the CBI took over. The nation waited for answers. Yet, in March 2025, nearly five years later, the CBI submitted a closure report to a Mumbai court, concluding it was a “simple suicide” with no evidence of foul play or conspiracy. The report echoed the 2020 findings of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which had confirmed suicide by hanging. So why did it take four years to reach the same conclusion?
The CBI interrogated actress Rhea Chakraborty, Sushant’s girlfriend, along with her family, his sister Priyanka, and others, probing allegations of abetment to suicide, financial fraud, and even drug-related charges. Despite the intense scrutiny, no concrete evidence emerged. Sushant’s father, KK Singh, expressed disappointment, stating, “The agency failed to act in time.” Social media platforms like X buzzed with skepticism, with users questioning why critical leads—like alleged discrepancies in the autopsy or CCTV footage—were not pursued thoroughly. If it was indeed a straightforward suicide, why the prolonged delay? This lingering doubt has fueled perceptions that the CBI may be influenced by external pressures, undermining its credibility.
2. Aarushi Talwar Murder: A Case That Exposed Flaws
The 2008 double murder of 14-year-old Aarushi Talwar and her family’s domestic worker Hemraj in Noida remains one of India’s most perplexing cases. Initially handled by the Uttar Pradesh Police, the investigation was marred by media leaks and shoddy evidence collection. When the CBI stepped in, hopes were high for clarity. Instead, the agency deepened the mystery.
The CBI accused Aarushi’s parents, Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, of the murders, citing a theory of an honor killing. In 2013, a trial court convicted them, sentencing them to life imprisonment. But in 2017, the Allahabad High Court overturned the verdict, acquitting the couple due to insufficient evidence. The court slammed the CBI for “conjectural” conclusions and a lack of credible proof. Key lapses—like untested DNA evidence and ignored alternative suspects—highlighted investigative failures. The case remains unsolved, leaving the public frustrated and the CBI’s competence under scrutiny.
3. Nithari Killings: Justice Denied
The 2006 Nithari serial killings in Noida horrified the nation. Over a dozen children and young women were abducted, raped, and murdered, with remains found near a businessman’s home. The CBI took charge in 2007, charging Moninder Singh Pandher and his servant Surinder Koli. After a lengthy trial, both were convicted in some cases, but in 2023, the Allahabad High Court acquitted them in 12 related cases, citing “grossly inadequate” evidence and “investigative lapses” by the CBI.
The acquittals sparked outrage among victims’ families, who felt betrayed by the system. The court’s ruling exposed how the CBI failed to build a watertight case, allowing alleged perpetrators to walk free. For an agency expected to deliver justice in India’s most heinous crimes, this was a devastating blow to its reputation.
4. Other High-Profile Fumbles
The CBI’s struggles extend beyond these cases. Here are other notable examples where the agency fell short:
- 2G Spectrum Scam (2011): Billed as one of India’s biggest corruption scandals, the CBI accused politicians and telecom tycoons of rigging spectrum allocations. In 2017, a special court acquitted all defendants, criticizing the CBI’s case as “speculative” and lacking evidence. The verdict was a major embarrassment.
- Bofors Scandal (1980s–1990s): The CBI investigated alleged kickbacks in a defense deal for decades, only for courts to dismiss charges in 2005, calling the probe a “waste of public funds.”
- Jiah Khan Case (2013): The CBI probed the suicide of actress Jiah Khan, accusing actor Sooraj Pancholi of abetment. After years of investigation, no conclusive evidence was found, and the case remains unresolved.
Why Does the CBI Falter?
Several factors contribute to the CBI’s recurring failures:
- Political Interference: Critics argue the CBI, which reports to the central government, often faces pressure to align with political agendas. High-profile cases involving powerful figures can lead to selective investigations, as seen in posts on X calling the agency a “caged parrot.”
- Delayed Investigations: Prolonged probes, like the four-year Sushant case, allow evidence to degrade and public interest to wane, weakening outcomes.
- Weak Evidence Gathering: Courts have repeatedly faulted the CBI for relying on circumstantial evidence rather than hard proof, as in the Aarushi and Nithari cases.
- Media Pressure: Sensationalized coverage can push the CBI to act hastily or chase unverified leads, derailing objective investigations.
Why Do People Still Demand CBI Probes?
Despite these setbacks, the public continues to clamor for CBI involvement in major cases. Local police forces are often distrusted due to corruption or incompetence, making the CBI—flawed as it is—seem like the better option. Its access to advanced forensics and centralized authority still inspires hope, even if results don’t always follow. But with each unresolved case, that hope dims.
A Global Perspective
Compared to agencies like the FBI in the United States or Interpol, the CBI operates under unique constraints. While the FBI has greater autonomy, the CBI’s dependence on government oversight limits its freedom. For instance, the FBI’s conviction rate hovers around 80%, while the CBI’s was reported at 65% in 2023, per government data. International agencies also face pressure, but India’s volatile political and media landscape amplifies the CBI’s challenges.
Conclusion: Can Trust Be Restored?
The CBI’s handling of cases like Sushant Singh Rajput, Aarushi Talwar, and Nithari has left deep scars on its reputation. Delays, acquittals, and questionable conclusions have fueled the perception that the agency is less an investigator and more a puppet of power. To regain public trust, the CBI needs reforms: greater independence, faster investigations, and a commitment to evidence over speculation. Until then, India’s clamor for justice will remain a cry unanswered.