Internet slams Sanjay Gupta for equating Rhea Chakraborty media circus with Siya Goyal case: ‘Stop trying so hard’

Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has sparked a social media controversy after comparing the intense media coverage faced by actor Rhea Chakraborty during the Sushant Singh Rajput death investigation with the ongoing reporting surrounding the Siya Goyal case.

The filmmaker's remarks quickly drew criticism online, with several users arguing that the two cases are fundamentally different and should not be equated. Many accused Gupta of attempting to revive an old debate by drawing comparisons that they described as "misplaced" and "insensitive."

Gupta shared his views through a post on social media, where he suggested that the media frenzy surrounding the Siya Goyal case reminded him of the treatment Rhea Chakraborty received in 2020. Chakraborty had faced intense public and media scrutiny following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, with multiple investigations by central agencies before no evidence linked her to his death.

However, the comparison did not go down well with many social media users. Several posts criticised Gupta for equating the two cases, with comments such as "Stop trying so hard," "These are completely different situations," and "Not every controversy deserves the same narrative" gaining traction across platforms.

Others argued that while media trials deserve criticism, every case should be assessed on its own facts rather than through broad comparisons. Some users also questioned whether invoking Chakraborty's ordeal distracted attention from the specifics of the Siya Goyal case.

At the same time, a section of social media users defended Gupta, saying his comments were intended to highlight the dangers of sensational media coverage and online judgment before legal processes are completed. They argued that public discourse should avoid declaring guilt or innocence before investigations conclude.

The debate once again brought attention to the broader issue of "media trials" in India, where high-profile criminal cases often generate extensive television debates, social media campaigns and public speculation long before judicial proceedings are completed.

Rhea Chakraborty's case remains one of the most widely discussed examples of media scrutiny in recent years. Following the death of Sushant Singh Rajput in June 2020, she was investigated by multiple agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). While the investigations drew nationwide attention, the CBI has not accused her of involvement in Rajput's death.

As the online debate continues, Gupta has not issued any clarification or responded to the criticism at the time of writing. The controversy highlights how references to past high-profile cases continue to evoke strong reactions on social media, particularly when comparisons are made with ongoing investigations.