Bombay High Court Orders CBI Investigation into Disha Salian's Death
Significant Legal Development in Disha Salian Case
Mumbai: A major legal twist has emerged nearly six years after the death of Disha Salian. On September 2, 2026, the Bombay High Court directed that the investigation into her death be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court instructed the CBI to file an FIR and appoint a senior and experienced officer to advance the investigation.
Background of Disha Salian's Death
Disha Salian was the former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. She died after falling from a building in Malad, Mumbai, in June 2020. Just days after her death, Sushant Singh Rajput also passed away, leading to extensive public speculation and various claims regarding both incidents. However, the court's order does not confirm any criminal link between the two cases.
CBI Investigation Mandate
The Bombay High Court has mandated the CBI to register an FIR and conduct a thorough investigation into Disha Salian's death. The court emphasized the need for a senior and experienced officer to oversee the inquiry. Additionally, the Malvani police station has been instructed to hand over all relevant records and documents to the CBI.
Court's Caution on Accusations
The High Court also issued a crucial caution in its order, stating that no individual should be considered an accused until the investigation is complete and sufficient evidence is presented. This means that the CBI's directive does not imply that Disha Salian's death was a result of murder or any other criminal act. The investigation aims to independently examine the available facts and allegations.
Ongoing Questions Surrounding the Case
Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020. At that time, the Mumbai police classified the case as an Accidental Death Report (ADR). Initially, the police stated that there was no evidence of foul play or a criminal conspiracy. Subsequently, Disha's father raised concerns about the investigation and approached the Bombay High Court, demanding a fresh inquiry and the filing of an FIR.
Previous Investigations and Reports
The Maharashtra government previously informed the court that the police had examined available evidence, witness statements, CCTV footage, mobile records, and other materials. The police maintained that they found no substantial evidence of foul play. In 2025, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) also reported a lack of evidence for foul play. However, Disha's father questioned these findings and continued to call for an independent investigation.
Allegations in the Petition
In his petition, Disha Salian's father expressed serious concerns regarding his daughter's death, alleging mishandling of the investigation and improper documentation of the case. However, these allegations have not been independently verified. The court did not conclude that Disha Salian's death was a murder or any other crime; it merely determined that a proper criminal investigation into the allegations and available evidence is warranted.
Political Figures Involved
During the hearings, the name of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also surfaced in relation to the petition and court proceedings. Arguments were made for an investigation against him. Conversely, Aaditya Thackeray's lawyer contested these allegations, labeling the petition as politically motivated and questioning the credibility of the claims.
Next Steps for CBI
The CBI's first step will be to obtain the old documents and investigation records related to the case. Following this, the agency may review the available evidence and, if necessary, take statements from relevant individuals. The CBI will also need to assess whether there are significant differences between the materials gathered in previous investigations and any new facts that emerge.
Hope for Resolution Amidst Ongoing Investigation
The Bombay High Court's decision has ushered the Disha Salian case into a new phase. With the CBI's involvement, long-standing questions raised by Disha's family and other parties will be revisited. However, it is crucial to note that the CBI's investigation order does not equate to a determination of guilt against any individual. The court has made it clear that no one should be deemed an accused until sufficient evidence is presented.