CBI FIR in Disha Salian death case sparks political row in Maharashtra

The Central Bureau of Investigation's decision to register a first information report (FIR) into the death of Disha Salian, former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has opened fresh political fault lines in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut described the move as a "media trial" and a "conspiracy" aimed at defaming the Thackeray family "at the behest of Delhi", in an apparent reference to the BJP-led government at the Centre. He said a closure report filed when Devendra Fadnavis held the home portfolio had stated that Aaditya Thackeray had no connection to the matter, and that revisiting the case was politically motivated.

Raut linked the renewed focus on the case to the Shiv Sena election symbol matter pending in the Supreme Court, alleging that those in power feared a verdict that could bring the Thackeray family back to the centre of state politics. He also claimed that only one page of the 16-page FIR had been leaked, suggesting news coverage was being managed, and said two senior leaders had scripted the episode without naming them.

The FIR, filed after the CBI examined complaints by Salian's father, Satish Salian, names Aaditya Thackeray and actor Dino Morea, among others.

Maharashtra Revenue Minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule rejected allegations of political vendetta, saying the probe would eventually reveal the "absolute truth". He added that it would not be appropriate for him to comment further since the matter is before a court.

Minister of State for Home and Shiv Sena MLA Yogesh Kadam also dismissed the vendetta charge, stating that the case was handed to the CBI on the court's direction and that the investigation is proceeding strictly under judicial directives. Action is being taken against anyone whose role appears suspicious or whose questioning is deemed necessary, he said.

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leaders sharpened the Opposition's attack. MLA Rohit Pawar said the Centre "pulls out the CBI weapon whenever elections approach" and asked whether the 2029 elections would be held early. He predicted the case would end in a clean chit, as he said happened in the Sushant Singh Rajput case, and expressed confidence that Aaditya Thackeray would emerge unscathed. NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule said it was wrong to engage in vendetta politics by using investigative agencies again in a case that had already been investigated and closed.

Disha Salian was found dead on June 8, 2020, days before Rajput was found dead in a Bandra flat. Her death was initially recorded as an accidental death report. The Bombay High Court subsequently directed the CBI to file an FIR and investigate the circumstances of her death.