Disha Salian death: Bombay HC orders CBI probe, says no one to be named accused without evidence
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has ordered a CBI investigation into the death of former celebrity manager Disha Salian, nearly six years after she died after falling from a residential building in Mumbai. The court has also directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to register an FIR and record the statement of her father, Satish Salian.
A bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale directed the Mumbai Police to hand over all case papers to the CBI forthwith.
The court, however, made it clear that no individual should be treated as an accused unless the investigation produces sufficient material against them.
The order comes after Satish Salian questioned the circumstances surrounding his daughter's death and sought a fresh investigation. He had alleged that Disha was raped and murdered and that there was a politically orchestrated cover-up to protect influential people.
What happened to Disha Salian?
Disha Salian, who had worked as a celebrity manager and was associated with late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai's Malad area.
The Mumbai Police had registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) following her death. After an inquiry, police maintained that the death was a case of suicide.
Her father later challenged the circumstances and the police investigation before the Bombay High Court.
Satish Salian's plea sought a CBI probe into the death and registration of an FIR against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, among others.
Father alleged rape, murder and cover-up
In his petition, Satish Salian alleged that his daughter had been gang-raped and murdered and that the circumstances of her death were subsequently covered up to protect certain influential persons.
His advocate, Nilesh Ojha, also questioned the police investigation and argued for a CBI probe.
Following Wednesday's order, Ojha said the family's primary demand was the registration of an FIR and a CBI investigation into the matter.
In his remarks, Ojha alleged that Disha Salian was gang-raped and murdered and named Aaditya Thackeray, Sooraj Pancholi, Dino Morea, Aaditya Thackeray's bodyguard, Rhea Chakraborty, Sachin Waze and Param Bir Singh in connection with what he described as a conspiracy.
These are allegations made by the petitioner's side and have not been established by the court.
CBI must determine whether a criminal case is made out
The High Court directed the CBI to register an FIR and record Satish Salian's statement as part of the investigation.
At the same time, the bench said that no person should be treated as an accused unless sufficient material emerges against them during the probe.
The court also specified what should happen if the CBI investigation does not establish a criminal case. In that event, the agency will have to file an appropriate summary report before the court concerned.
Satish Salian will have the liberty to challenge such a report, the court said.
With agency inputs