Disha Salian Death Case: Bombay High Court Orders CBI Probe

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register an FIR and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the 2020 death of Disha Salian, Sushant Singh Rajput’s ex-manager. The order came on a petition filed by her father, Satish Salian, who alleged lapses in the Mumbai Police investigation and sought an independent probe into the circumstances surrounding her death.

A Division Bench of Justices Sarang V Kotwal and Ranjitsinha R Bhonsale directed the CBI to appoint a senior and experienced officer to record Satish Salian’s statement and register the FIR. Mumbai Police has also been ordered to hand over all relevant case records and physical evidence to the central agency. Bombay HC to Pronounce Order Today in Disha Salian Death Case Petition.

Court Says FIR Does Not Establish Guilt

The High Court made it clear that registration of an FIR should not be treated as a finding of guilt against any individual.

The bench said a person should be treated as an accused only if the investigating officer finds sufficient material during the investigation to raise reasonable suspicion against that person. Disha Salian Death Case: BJP MLA Nitesh Rane Requests Mumbai Police Commissioner to Change Officer.

The CBI has been directed to examine all aspects surrounding Salian’s death. If the investigation establishes that an offence has been committed, the agency will have to submit an appropriate report before the competent court. If no offence is established, it will have to file a closure report.

Disha Salian Died in June 2020

Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai’s Malad area. Her death occurred days before Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence.

Mumbai Police initially registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in the case. According to the police position presented before the court, the inquiry concluded that Salian’s death was a suicide and that witness statements and forensic reports did not establish foul play or sexual assault.

The case was later reopened for reassessment in 2023 following allegations and public speculation surrounding the circumstances of her death.

Father Sought Independent Investigation

Satish Salian approached the High Court in 2024, alleging that he had been misled and pressured to accept the conclusion that his daughter had died by suicide. His petition alleged that Disha Salian had been gang-raped and murdered and sought an FIR and independent investigation. He also alleged that important forensic and investigative documents had not been provided to the family. These allegations have not been established.

The petition named several individuals, including Aaditya Thackeray. Thackeray's counsel, Senior Advocate Sudeep Pasbola, opposed the plea and argued that it was politically motivated and that the petitioner should have pursued other statutory remedies.

Court Raised Questions Over Police Inquiry

During earlier hearings, the High Court questioned the prolonged use of an ADR inquiry and the absence of an FIR despite allegations of a possible criminal offence.

The bench also questioned the legal basis for continuing the inquiry after the initial proceedings had been closed. The Maharashtra government's side defended the police procedure, submitting that witness statements and forensic material had ruled out foul play and sexual assault.

The court ultimately observed that the police investigation, which had continued in different stages over several years, raised questions that warranted a fresh investigation by the CBI.

CBI to Take Over Case Records

Under the High Court's order, the concerned Mumbai police station must transfer all relevant documents and physical evidence to the designated CBI officer.

The agency will first record Satish Salian's statement and register the FIR before proceeding with the investigation. The court also directed the investigating agency to deal sensitively with Salian and his family while ensuring that no innocent person is harassed.

The CBI's findings will determine the next legal course. The High Court's order does not itself establish that Salian was murdered, nor does it establish any connection between her death and the death of Sushant Singh Rajput’s ex-manager and the actor's death. Those questions will now form part of the agency's investigation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2026 03:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).