How Aditya Thackeray is related to Disha Salian's death case
What's the story
Satish Salian, the father of late talent manager Disha Salian, has moved the Bombay High Court for a fresh probe into his daughter's mysterious death.
He sought a CBI probe and an FIR against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.
Disha, who had also once managed late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died on June 8, 2020, after reportedly falling off the 14th floor of a building in Mumbai's Malad.
But how is Thackeray involved in this case?
Timeline
First, here's a recap of events around Disha's death
Disha died just six days before Rajput's own tragic demise on June 14, 2020.
Her father has appealed to the court to transfer the probe to the CBI for a more thorough investigation.
This plea comes amid relentless speculation over the 28-year-old's death and its possible connection to Rajput's death.
Disha's death was first registered as an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and later ruled an accident by the CBI in 2022.
Circumstances
Disha's emotional turmoil before death raised eyebrows
On the night of her death, Disha was hosting a get-together at her residence. Friends said she was emotional, saying things like, "No one cares for anyone anymore."
After locking herself up in a room post-crying, when she didn't come out after a while, her friends and fiance broke the door, only to find that she had fallen from the balcony.
Despite rumors connecting the manager's death to Rajput's, no concrete evidence has been found to substantiate such claims.
Political intrigue
How was the political climate during Disha's death?
Rajput and Disha's untimely deaths garnered immense coverage and incited mudslinging, even gaining political color.
At the time of their deaths, undivided Shiv Sena was in power in Maharashtra. Several BJP leaders (then in opposition) alleged the cases hadn't been investigated properly.
In December 2022, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane claimed that Thackeray was reportedly present at Disha's party (before she died) and must undergo a narco test.
Since then, the former minister's name has often emerged in this case.
Reactions
Allegations and political responses to Disha's death
In 2023, a PIL even demanded Thackeray's "immediate arrest," which was challenged by the Worli MLA.
Despite initially not suspecting foul play, Disha's father has since alleged that she was "brutally raped and murdered." He claims influential people were part of a conspiracy to cover up the truth.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson and former Mumbai mayor, Kishori Pednekar questioned why the issue is being raised after over four years.
Pednekar was also named in the FIR.
Demands
Rane demanded Thackeray's resignation during investigation
BJP minister Rane has demanded Thackeray "speak the truth" and resign as an MLA to face an investigation.
He alleges key evidence, including CCTV footage from Disha's building, had been destroyed and pages of the visitor register torn out.
Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, has urged Salian to submit any evidence he has to the Home Department and assured the investigation would follow the High Court's directions without political interference.
Twitter Post
Listen to what Rane had to say about the complaint
#WATCH | Mumbai | On Disha Salian death case, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane says, "...Disha Salian's father took the names of Aditya Thackeray, Sooraj Pancholi and Dino Morea. The court will give directions and an inquiry will be conducted based on that... Our MLA, Ameet… pic.twitter.com/GfNntdRuwO
— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2025