Disha Salian’s Father Seeks CBI Probe, Accuses Aaditya Thackeray
Nearly five years after the tragic demise of celebrity manager Disha Salian, her father, Satish Salian, has approached the Bombay High Court, requesting a fresh investigation. The petition calls for the case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and demands an FIR against Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray. He asserts that key details surrounding his daughter’s death were either overlooked or intentionally ignored, and a deeper probe is necessary to uncover the full truth.
Disha Salian, who was previously associated with late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, reportedly passed away on June 8, 2020, after falling from a high-rise in Malad. While initial reports suggested suicide, persistent allegations have fueled calls for reinvestigation. The renewed petition claims that multiple inconsistencies in the official reports and witness testimonies warrant a fresh examination by independent investigators.
Legal Allegations and Political Ramifications
Advocate Nilesh C. Ojha, representing Satish Salian, claimed that a written complaint had been submitted in January 2024, accusing Aaditya Thackeray and others of serious offenses. However, he asserted that no FIR had been registered for over a year. The petition also alleges that misleading statements were made in legal documents regarding Thackeray’s clearance by investigative agencies. Furthermore, Ojha argued that critical evidence was either manipulated or suppressed to protect influential individuals.
Amidst these renewed accusations, a political controversy has erupted. BJP minister Nitesh Rane referenced Supreme Court precedents, arguing that individuals facing such allegations should be arrested. He further demanded Thackeray’s resignation from his legislative position, claiming that his continued role in the assembly could influence the investigation. Rane also accused the Mumbai Police of deliberate inaction and questioned why key eyewitnesses had allegedly refused to testify.
Shiv Sena’s Response: Claims of Political Conspiracy
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have dismissed the petition as a politically motivated attempt to tarnish Aaditya Thackeray’s image. Sanjay Raut, a senior party member, questioned the timing of the allegations, suggesting that they serve as a distraction from ongoing political issues in Maharashtra. He further stated that efforts to discredit the Thackeray family have been ongoing and that similar tactics had been used against other political figures in the past.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve also linked the allegations to political maneuvering, directly accusing the BJP of orchestrating a campaign to discredit Thackeray. He emphasized that the party had faith in the judicial process and that the accusations would be addressed in court. Danve further criticized the opposition for allegedly using a tragic event to further its political agenda, adding that repeated reinvestigations have led nowhere.
Contrasting Opinions and Investigation Findings
NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad raised concerns over the delay in the petition, questioning why the allegations surfaced after nearly five years. He pointed out that if there was indeed substantial new evidence, it should have been presented earlier. Similarly, Maharashtra’s former Home Minister, Anil Deshmukh, described the move as part of a broader political strategy and suggested that repeated allegations without conclusive proof were damaging to the credibility of law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police have reiterated that their investigations found no evidence of foul play in Disha Salian’s case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed in December 2023, reportedly faced difficulties in gathering testimonies, as key individuals declined to provide statements. Previous inquiries, including those conducted by the CBI while probing Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, also did not establish a criminal connection to Salian’s demise.
Investigators maintain that Salian had been dealing with financial stress at the time of her death. They further dismissed speculative claims, including theories that she had attended high-profile parties before her passing, citing verified CCTV footage and forensic reports. They reiterated that multiple autopsy reports and forensic findings had been independently reviewed, all indicating no external involvement in her death. Despite this, growing public pressure and political interest continue to fuel the demand for a fresh probe.
Sushant Singh Rajput’s Family Voices Support
Adding another dimension to the case, the late Sushant Singh Rajput’s father, KK Singh, has publicly backed the Salian family’s petition. He expressed hope that a reinvestigation could bring clarity not only to Disha Salian’s death but also to lingering questions surrounding his son’s passing. He further stated that too many unanswered questions remain in both cases and urged authorities to allow an independent investigation free from political interference.
KK Singh’s endorsement has reignited discussions among Rajput’s supporters, many of whom continue to allege that both deaths were interconnected and deserved deeper scrutiny.
What Lies Ahead?
As the legal battle unfolds, the case remains a focal point of Maharashtra’s political landscape. While Shiv Sena (UBT) has condemned the allegations as baseless, opposition parties continue to press for further scrutiny. With the Bombay High Court now involved, the coming months may provide more clarity on the course of action regarding this high-profile controversy.
Legal experts have pointed out that for a fresh CBI probe to be ordered, the petitioners must present new, credible evidence that the previous investigations overlooked or suppressed. If the court deems the petition insufficient, the case may not progress beyond its current state. On the other hand, if new material evidence surfaces, the political ramifications could be far-reaching.
Conclusion
The renewed scrutiny into Disha Salian’s case highlights the intersection of legal proceedings and political discourse. While investigations thus far have not confirmed foul play, fresh allegations and demands for a CBI probe continue to fuel debate. The legal process will ultimately determine the next steps in this long-standing matter. Meanwhile, as both political and public pressure mount, the developments in this case could have broader implications for the political future of those involved.
