Bombay HC orders CBI probe into Disha Salian death; father claims link to Sushant's death

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday (September 2) ordered a CBI probe into the death of Disha Salian, former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who died after falling from the 14th floor of a high-rise in Mumbai’s suburban Malad area in June 2020 under mysterious circumstances.

The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice Sarang Kotwal and Justice Ranjitsinha Bhonsale while hearing a petition filed by Disha’s father, Satish Salian. The bench directed the CBI to appoint a senior officer to investigate the case.

‘Sushant and my daughter’s death linked’

Speaking to the media after the order, Satish Salian claimed that his daughter’s death was linked to that of Sushant Singh Rajput. Disha was Sushant’s former manager. “100 per cent there is a link between Sushant's and Disha's death. Disha had sent a video of Sushant's wrong acts. It was linked to the death,” Salian claimed, without divulging further details.

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 came days before Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Bandra flat.

Also read: No connection with Sushant's death, says ex-manager Disha Salian's mother

Welcoming the court’s decision to order a CBI probe, Satish Salian maintained that his daughter’s death was not a suicide but a conspiracy involving “some influential” people.

While refusing to name anyone, he expressed confidence that the CBI would question the “influential” people allegedly involved in the case.

Asks CBI to appoint senior officer

The High Court also directed the CBI to register an FIR in the case after recording the petitioner's statement, reported the Bar and Bench. However, it clarified that no one should be treated as an accused unless there is sufficient material found against anyone by the Investigating Officer (IO).

Also Read: Disha Salian committed suicide, no foul play found in probe: Police tell HC

The bench instructed the IO to submit a charge-sheet in the case at the earliest possible if a cognisable offence can be made out. It further stated that if no cognisable offence was found, then the IO must file closure proceedings before the competent court. The bench, however, granted liberty to Satish to file a protest petition.

Questions over probe

Appearing for Satish, advocate Nilesh Ojha argued that initially the Mumbai Police did not even share a copy of Disha’s post-mortem report with her father and only shared the report after five of his approaching the High Court.

Also Read: Disha Salian partied, was feeling depressed the night she died: Friend

He also asked why the police did not lodge any FIR against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray and others despite their names being mentioned by her father in relation to the case.

The Maharashtra Government, through the Mumbai Police, told the court that it had found no evidence to prosecute anyone in Disha’s death case.

Police cite suicide or accident

Chief Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray argued that the evidence indicated Disha either committed suicide or accidentally fell from the building. He questioned why Satish did not suspect anyone, particularly when he and his wife had recorded their statements with the police more than once.

Senior advocate Sudeep Pasbola, appearing for Thackeray, opposed the plea and argued that the proceedings were politically motivated.

Court questions delay in closure

During the hearing, the judges orally observed that the allegations made by Disha’s father could be correct or false. However, the police should have lodged an FIR and given the family a final closure over their daughter’s death, especially as the ADR enquiry continued for nearly five to six years.

Also Read: Attempt to malign me; will respond in court: Aaditya on Disha Salian case

Hiray clarified that the ADR was closed in October 2020 and reopened after the new State government took note of allegations on social media about the initial probe. He said the further enquiry also found no strong evidence to prosecute anyone for a "murder charge".

Speaking to reporters later in the day, Satish said, "I told the judge I was grateful to him. I received justice thanks to all of you. Until now, I hadn't shed a single tear—not even when Disha passed away. But today, the tears are flowing... Whatever the lawyer advises, I will do. The day has come; truth has triumphed, and truth will continue to triumph in the future," reported ANI.