The political landscape in Maharashtra has intensified following the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registering a First Information Report (FIR) into the 2020 death of Disha Salian, the former manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former state minister Aaditya Thackeray has firmly rejected any association with the case, dismissing his inclusion in the document as a deliberate attempt at character assassination.
Background and Court-Ordered Investigation
Disha Salian, 28, passed away on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai. Her death occurred just days before Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his apartment. While local police initially closed the matter as an accidental death, a division bench of the Bombay High Court directed the CBI to register an FIR following a petition by Disha's father, Satish Salian, who raised serious questions regarding discrepancies in the initial inquiry.
The newly filed CBI FIR mentions several individuals—including Aaditya Thackeray, former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, and others—stating that their roles require formal examination. However, legal authorities and agency officials have clarified that none of the named individuals have been formally listed as accused at this preliminary stage.
Aaditya Thackeray's Response
Breaking his silence on the matter, Aaditya Thackeray took to social media to cut through what he termed political noise. "I have never met Disha Salian, nor did I have any acquaintance with her," he stated, adding that linking his name to the tragedy is part of a multi-year campaign driven by personal and political motives. He urged that the re-investigation proceed strictly on facts without malicious distractions. Party colleagues have similarly decried the move as an engineered narrative designed to tarnish the Thackeray family.
What Lies Ahead?
As the CBI moves forward with recording statements, reviewing forensic evidence, and evaluating police documents from the initial inquiry, the focus remains on uncovering verified facts. The legal framework mandates that formal accusations will only follow if concrete evidentiary grounds emerge during the ongoing probe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did the CBI register an FIR in the Disha Salian case?
A: The CBI registered the FIR following a directive from the Bombay High Court, which flagged discrepancies in the initial police inquiry after a petition was filed by Disha Salian's father.
Q: Is Aaditya Thackeray listed as an accused in the CBI FIR?
A: No. While his name is mentioned among those whose roles require scrutiny, federal officials and legal experts have clarified that he is not designated as an accused at this stage.
Q: What was Aaditya Thackeray's official reaction?
A: Aaditya Thackeray denied knowing or ever meeting Disha Salian, characterizing the continuous inclusion of his name as a politically motivated attempt at character assassination.
Q: What are the next steps in the investigation?
A: The central agency is examining case records, inspecting evidence, and recording statements from witnesses and officials involved to determine facts independently.