Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has rejected allegations linking him to the death of Disha Salian, saying he never knew or met the former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Thackeray’s statement came a day after Salian’s father, Satish Salian, said he had provided the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with the names of several people he believes should be examined in connection with his daughter’s death.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Thackeray said there was a need to focus on facts rather than what he described as repeated attempts to associate his name with the case.
“I have never met or known Disha Salian,” Thackeray said, adding that his name had been connected to the case for years without evidence.
Thackeray Calls Allegations a Political Campaign
Thackeray alleged that the repeated references to him in connection with Salian’s death were part of a campaign intended to damage his reputation.
He described the allegations as a “relentless smear campaign” and said media debates and political accusations should not interfere with the ongoing investigation.
Thackeray also urged authorities to allow the official probe to continue without what he called political distractions or attempts at character assassination.
Salian’s Father Names Several People Before CBI
Satish Salian told reporters on Tuesday that he had given the CBI names of several individuals whom he believes are connected to the circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death.
Among the names he mentioned were Aaditya Thackeray, actors Dino Morea and Sooraj Pancholi, along with police officials and others. These are allegations made by Salian’s father and are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The CBI registered an FIR on September 14 after the Bombay High Court ordered the agency to investigate the circumstances surrounding Disha Salian’s death.
What Is the CBI Investigating?
Disha Salian, who had worked as a celebrity manager and had represented Sushant Singh Rajput, died in Mumbai on June 8, 2020.
The Bombay High Court directed the CBI to take over the investigation and examine all aspects surrounding the circumstances of her death. The court also directed the agency to record her father’s statement and take over the relevant case material from Mumbai Police.
The court made an important clarification while ordering the fresh probe: a person should not be treated as an accused unless the investigating officer finds sufficient material to raise reasonable suspicion based on the evidence collected during the investigation.
Earlier Investigation Had Reached a Different Conclusion
Before the fresh CBI investigation, the case had been recorded as an accidental death and earlier police inquiries had not found evidence of foul play.
Salian’s family later sought a fresh investigation, alleging that there were unanswered questions surrounding his daughter’s death. The Bombay High Court subsequently ordered the CBI probe.
The new investigation is now examining the allegations and circumstances surrounding the case.
Aaditya Thackeray Says He Will Stand by the Facts
As the CBI investigation moves forward, Thackeray has maintained that he had no connection with Disha Salian and rejected the allegations against him.
He said the focus should remain on the official investigation rather than political accusations or media trials.
The CBI’s investigation will determine whether the allegations made in the complaint are supported by evidence.
