Bollywood actor Sooraj Pancholi has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the death of Disha Salian, the former manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Pancholi shared a statement on Instagram after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR in connection with Salian’s death in 2020. His name, along with those of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, Rohan Rai and Rhea Chakraborty, has been mentioned in connection with the investigation. Pancholi has now rejected any suggestion that he had a connection with Salian or Thackeray and said he is prepared to cooperate with investigators if required.
Pancholi says he never met Disha Salian
In his social media statement, Pancholi directly addressed the references to his name and said he had never met Disha Salian, either personally or indirectly. He also stated that he had never met Aaditya Thackeray at any point in his life. According to the actor, being linked to such a sensitive case without what he described as supporting facts or evidence has been deeply upsetting.
Pancholi said he had remained silent for a long time because he did not believe every report or rumour involving his name required a response. However, he indicated that the repeated circulation of the same claims eventually prompted him to speak publicly. His statement focused on separating his own account from speculation surrounding the case while leaving the investigation to the relevant authorities.
Actor says police and CBI questioned him earlier
Pancholi also referred to previous inquiries into the matter. He said police and the CBI had questioned him and recorded his statement around four to five years ago. The actor added that if investigators now believe they need additional information from him, he is willing to answer their questions and cooperate with the investigation.
His comments come as the case has once again entered the public spotlight following the registration of the FIR. The development has revived discussion around the circumstances of Salian’s death and the various individuals whose names have appeared in connection with the case. Pancholi, however, maintained that his willingness to cooperate should not be interpreted as an admission of involvement.
Sooraj Pancholi says he has nothing to hide
Pancholi went on to say that there was nothing he needed to conceal and that he would remain available to investigating agencies if they required any further information. At the same time, he appealed for greater care before associating an individual with allegations in a serious criminal investigation.
The actor said he supports a fair and detailed CBI inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Disha Salian’s death. His position, as expressed in the statement, was that facts should be established through an investigation rather than through speculation circulating in public discussions.
Actor urges people not to treat headlines as evidence
A significant part of Pancholi’s statement dealt with media reports, television discussions and social media claims. He warned against accepting every allegation or narrative appearing online without checking whether it is supported by evidence. He argued that a headline or a statement made during a television debate should not automatically be treated as proof.
Pancholi also objected to what he described as fabricated stories and malicious publicity surrounding the tragedy. He said a person’s reputation should not be damaged by unverified claims made in connection with someone else’s death. His appeal was for readers and viewers to distinguish between allegations, media discussion and facts established by an investigation.
Lawyer representing Disha’s father gives details of FIR
Nilesh Ojha, who is representing Disha Salian’s father Satish Salian, also spoke to ANI about the FIR. According to his statement, the complaint concerns allegations including gang rape, murder and attempts to cover up the alleged crime. He said the FIR invokes IPC Sections 376D, 302, 201, 217, 218 and 120B.
Ojha listed several names and officials he said were included in the FIR, including Aaditya Thackeray, Dino Morea, Sooraj Pancholi, Thackeray’s bodyguard, Rohan Rai and Rhea Chakraborty. He also referred to former police officials, members associated with the investigation and other individuals. These are allegations contained in the FIR and will be subject to investigation and due legal process.
Pancholi ended his statement by saying he has faith in the country’s law and investigating agencies. He asked people to verify facts before forming opinions about anyone involved and said that the truth should ultimately emerge through the investigation.