THE TELL-TALE CHATS

WhatsApp messages retrieved from Rhea Chakraborty's mobile phone suggest the use of narcotics substances in the Sushant Singh Rajput household.

In one of the conversations, Rhea is talking to an alleged drug dealer named Gaurav Arya. She says, "In case we speak about hard drugs, I haven't been doing too much. Tried MDMA once," and goes on to ask, "You have MD?"

In another conversation between Rhea and one Jaya Saha, which goes back to November 25, 2019, the actress seems to be asking about use of a particular drug. Jaya Saha texted, "Use 4 drops in coffee, tea or water, and let him sip it. Give it 30 - 40 minutes for it to kick in." To which Rhea replied, "Thank you so much." Jaya texted back, "No problem bro, hope it helps."

According to experts, the latter reference may be to a marijuana extract which was being administered in beverages to Sushant to address his psychotic problems. Only an investigation will establish whether this was being done with Rajput’s consent or was in his knowledge. A contrarian view is that Rajput’s psychotic problems may have stemmed from heavy use of non-prescription drugs.

Sushant’s cook, too, has been quoted as saying by media that he would occasionally roll marijuana in cigarettes for the actor. The claim is reinforced by Sushant’s ex-bodyguard’s account that the actor would often carry drugs in his duffer bag in his car.

In another incrimination chat, on April 17, household staff Miranda Sushi texted Rhea, "Hi Rhea, the stuff is almost over.” He later added, "Should we take it from Showik’s friend but he has just hash.’’ Recreational as well as hard drugs are available on demand on Mumbai’s footpaths. Among these is American weed which sells for as much as Rs 6000 per 10 gm; Indian weed goes for Rs 4000 per 10 gm. Mostly drugs are procured by cooks/drivers/household staff.