Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday broke his silence on the ongoing investigation into the death of Disha Salian, denying that he ever knew or met the late former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Thackeray said attempts to repeatedly link his name to Salian’s death amounted to what he described as a “deliberate, evidence-free” campaign aimed at damaging his reputation. He also said that media debates and allegations should not be treated as a substitute for evidence in an ongoing investigation.
Aaditya Thackeray denies link to Disha Salian
In his first detailed public response to the controversy, Thackeray maintained that he had never met or known Salian. He described the continued association of his name with the case as a smear campaign and said there was no evidence to support the allegations against him.
His remarks come days after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR into Salian’s death following a direction fro .
The CBI FIR contains allegations including criminal conspiracy, murder and other offences and refers to several individuals whose roles are to be examined as part of the investigation. However, the agency has clarified that being mentioned in the FIR does not mean that a person has been formally named as an accused.
CBI probe into 2020 death
Disha Salian was found dead on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai’s Malad area. Her death had initially been recorded as an Accidental Death Report (ADR), and the Mumbai Police inquiry had concluded that there was no foul play.
Following a petition filed by Salian’s father, Satish Salian, the Bombay High Court directed the CBI to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. The court also directed the agency to register an FIR and examine all relevant aspects of the case.
The court had specifically clarified that no individual should be treated as an accused unless the investigation produces sufficient material to raise reasonable suspicion against them.
Thackeray calls for investigation without political distractions
Thackeray has said that the CBI investigation should proceed on the basis of evidence and without what he described as political distractions. He reiterated that attempts to connect him to the case without evidence were intended to tarnish his reputation.
The case has continued to attract political and public attention, particularly because several prominent names have been mentioned in connection with the investigation. The CBI is now examining the allegations and circumstances surrounding Salian’s death, and the findings of the investigation will determine whether any criminal liability is established.
For now, the investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against individuals mentioned in connection with the case have not been established in court.