Disha Salian Case: CBI FIR Is Attempt to Tarnish Thackeray Family, Says Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday alleged that the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) FIR in the death of celebrity manager Disha Salian was part of a political conspiracy to damage the reputation of the Thackeray family. Raut claimed that the investigation was being used to target party leader and Maharashtra MLA Aaditya Thackeray, while maintaining that the CBI should conduct its probe independently, according to a report.

Sanjay Raut Questions Timing of CBI FIR

Raut alleged that the central probe was being “weaponised” against Aaditya Thackeray, who has been critical of the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said the FIR was an attempt to tarnish the image of the Thackeray family and described the development as politically motivated. Raut's comments are an allegation by the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and do not establish that the CBI investigation itself is politically motivated. Disha Salian Death Case: Which Actors, Politicians and Police Officials Have Been Named in CBI's FIR.

CBI takes over Disha Salian death probe

The CBI recently registered an FIR in connection with Salian's death after the Bombay High Court directed the agency to take over the investigation. The agency has also formed a special investigation team to examine the circumstances surrounding her death. Salian, who had worked as a manager for late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died on June 8, 2020, after falling from a building in Mumbai. Rajput died six days later, on June 14, 2020.

The two deaths subsequently generated extensive public speculation and multiple theories, although the circumstances surrounding Salian's death are now the subject of a fresh CBI investigation. Disha Salian Death Case: CBI Registers FIR After Her Father Satish Salian Records Statement.

Aaditya Thackeray's Name Draws Political Focus

The latest FIR has brought Aaditya Thackeray back into the political debate surrounding the case. Reports on the FIR have also referred to other individuals, including actor Rhea Chakraborty. However, the inclusion or mention of a person's name in an FIR does not by itself establish guilt or prove involvement in an offence. The allegations and circumstances will have to be examined as part of the investigation. Raut has maintained that Aaditya has no connection with Salian's death and has backed the earlier Mumbai Police investigation.

Salian's Family Had Sought Fresh Investigation

The renewed investigation follows demands from Salian's family for a closer examination of her death. Her father, Satish Salian, has made allegations before investigators concerning the circumstances surrounding his daughter's death. Those allegations are now part of the broader context in which the CBI is examining the case. The Bombay High Court's intervention subsequently paved the way for the CBI to formally register the case and begin its investigation.

Political Reactions Intensify

The CBI probe has quickly become a political issue in Maharashtra. While Raut has accused the Centre of attempting to target the Thackeray family, other political leaders have called for the allegations to be investigated without political considerations.

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule has also said that the possibility of political vendetta cannot be ruled out, while stopping short of dismissing the need for an investigation.

Meanwhile, actor Sooraj Pancholi, whose name has also surfaced in discussions around the case, has denied allegations linking him to Salian or Aaditya Thackeray and said that claims should be assessed on the basis of evidence.

CBI Investigation Now Under Way

The CBI investigation is expected to examine the circumstances leading to Salian's death, the allegations raised by her family and other claims that have emerged over the years. With the agency now formally investigating the case, further statements, evidence and findings will determine whether the allegations raised in connection with the death can be substantiated.

For now, the political accusations surrounding the FIR remain separate from the question of criminal liability, which can only be determined through the investigation and due legal process.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 15, 2026 02:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).