Disha Salian Death Case: Bombay HC Seeks Maharashtra Government’s Response on Father’s Plea for Fresh Probe

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court has requested the Maharashtra government’s response to a petition filed by Satish Salian, father of the late celebrity manager Disha Salian, who is seeking a fresh investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death in June 2020. The court, presided over by Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Shyam Chandak, issued the directive on Wednesday, giving the state four weeks to file its affidavit.

Disha Salian, former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Malad, Mumbai. Her father’s petition alleges that her death was not a suicide, as initially concluded by the Mumbai police, but a murder involving rape and a politically motivated cover-up to shield influential figures. The plea specifically names Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and others, claiming they were involved in the alleged crime.

The petition argues that the Mumbai police hastily closed the case as a suicide or accidental death, ignoring forensic evidence, circumstantial proof, and eyewitness testimonies. Satish Salian justified the delay in filing the petition, stating he was overwhelmed by grief and misled by individuals who crafted a false narrative to protect the accused. The plea also seeks the registration of an FIR against Thackeray and the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Bombay High Court has scheduled the next hearing for June 4, 2025, to review the state’s response. The case has drawn significant attention due to its connection to the high-profile death of Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead in his Bandra apartment six days after Salian’s death. The petition further requests merging Salian’s case with a 2023 plea filed by the Supreme Court and High Court Litigants Association, which also seeks a probe into Salian’s death.

This development follows a series of legal actions, including a recent contempt notice issued by the Bombay High Court against Satish Salian’s advocate, Nilesh Ojha, for making “scandalous” remarks about a sitting judge during a press conference.