Disha Salian Case: Uddhav Thackeray Denies Family Link as Legal Battle Intensifies
The Disha Salian case has taken another turn, with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray denying any connection between his family and the 2020 death of Disha Salian and warning that legal action could follow if what he described as a campaign of character assassination continues.
The latest development comes amid a fresh CBI investigation ordered by the Bombay High Court and a ₹500 crore legal notice issued by Salian’s father, Satish Salian, to Aaditya Thackeray and former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh over remarks concerning his efforts to seek a fresh investigation into his daughter’s death.
Uddhav Thackeray said his family had no connection with the case and maintained that the allegations being repeatedly raised against them were politically motivated. He said the family had remained largely silent while an investigation was underway but indicated that there would be a legal response if the allegations continued.
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Why the Disha Salian case is back in focus
Disha Salian, 28, died in Mumbai’s Malad area in June 2020 after falling from a high-rise residential building. At the time, Mumbai Police treated the incident as an accidental death and subsequently maintained that there was no evidence of foul play.
The case received renewed public attention because Salian had briefly worked as a manager for actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who died six days later. The two deaths generated considerable speculation, although the circumstances surrounding each case have been investigated separately.
Salian’s father later approached the Bombay High Court seeking a fresh investigation into his daughter’s death. The court subsequently directed that the matter be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The CBI registered a fresh FIR in September 2026 following the court’s direction. Reports on the FIR say it contains serious allegations concerning the circumstances surrounding Salian’s death and identifies several individuals whose roles require investigation. Importantly, inclusion of a person’s name or reference to their role in an FIR does not, by itself, establish that the person committed an offence.
Uddhav Thackeray rejects allegations
Speaking to reporters, Uddhav Thackeray reiterated that the death was an unfortunate incident but said neither he nor his family had any connection to it.
He questioned how long such allegations could continue and said that repeated accusations amounted to what he characterised as character assassination. He also said those pursuing an investigation should be allowed to conduct it, while warning that his family could take legal steps if the alleged campaign did not stop.
His comments came shortly after his son, Aaditya Thackeray, publicly denied ever meeting or knowing Disha Salian.
Aaditya said the repeated attempts to link him to the case were an evidence-free effort to damage his reputation and argued that the official investigation should proceed without what he described as political distractions.
₹500 crore legal notice issued by Disha Salian’s father
The controversy has also moved into the legal arena.
Satish Salian has issued a ₹500 crore legal notice to Aaditya Thackeray and Anil Deshmukh, alleging that statements made by the two leaders portrayed his efforts to seek justice for his daughter as politically motivated.
According to reports on the notice, Salian has sought damages and demanded an unconditional public apology from both leaders. The notice reportedly seeks publication and broadcasting of the apology across major media platforms, along with a video apology on their official social media accounts.
The legal notice is a separate development from the CBI investigation. Its allegations and demands remain matters for the legal process, and issuing a legal notice does not itself establish liability.
What the CBI investigation is examining
The fresh CBI investigation represents a major change from the manner in which the case was initially handled.
Investigators are expected to examine documents from the earlier inquiry, record statements from relevant witnesses and police personnel, scrutinise the circumstances surrounding Salian’s death and assess allegations raised by her family.
Reports indicate that several political figures, actors, police officials and other individuals have been mentioned in connection with the investigation.
The CBI’s role is to establish facts and determine whether the evidence supports the allegations. Until the investigation reaches conclusions supported by evidence and any subsequent legal proceedings are completed, allegations against individuals should not be treated as established facts.
What happens next?
The immediate focus is likely to remain on the CBI investigation and the evidence it gathers.
Investigators may review earlier records, question witnesses and officials involved in the original inquiry and examine material referred to in the fresh complaint. The legal notice issued by Salian’s father could also lead to a separate legal dispute concerning the statements attributed to Aaditya Thackeray and Anil Deshmukh.
For the Thackerays, the issue has become both a legal and political controversy, while Salian’s family continues to seek a deeper investigation into the circumstances of her death.
The central question now is what the fresh investigation establishes from the available evidence. Until that process is completed, claims made by different parties remain allegations, while the CBI probe and related legal proceedings will determine what can ultimately be substantiated.
FAQs
Who was Disha Salian?
Disha Salian was a 28-year-old celebrity manager who had briefly worked with actor Sushant Singh Rajput. She died in Mumbai’s Malad area in June 2020 after falling from a residential building.
What is the Disha Salian case?
The case concerns the circumstances surrounding Salian’s death in 2020. Mumbai Police initially treated the incident as an accidental death and maintained that it was a suicide. Her father later sought a fresh investigation, leading to the Bombay High Court directing a CBI probe.
Why is Uddhav Thackeray mentioned in the controversy?
Uddhav Thackeray’s name has been brought into the wider controversy through allegations and statements surrounding the investigation. He has denied any connection between himself or his family and Disha Salian’s death and has described the repeated allegations against his family as character assassination.
Has Aaditya Thackeray admitted knowing Disha Salian?
No. Aaditya Thackeray has publicly stated that he never met or knew Disha Salian and has denied allegations linking him to her death.
Has the CBI registered an FIR in the Disha Salian case?
Yes. The CBI registered a fresh FIR in September 2026 following the Bombay High Court’s direction for a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Salian’s death.
Does being named in the FIR mean someone is guilty?
No. Being named in an FIR or being identified as someone whose role requires investigation does not establish guilt. The investigation must establish whether there is sufficient evidence to support any allegation, followed by due legal process.
What is the ₹500 crore legal notice about?
Disha Salian’s father, Satish Salian, has issued a ₹500 crore legal notice to Aaditya Thackeray and Anil Deshmukh over remarks he says portrayed his pursuit of a fresh investigation into his daughter’s death as politically motivated. He has reportedly sought damages and public apologies.
What happens next in the case?
The CBI investigation is expected to examine the available records, allegations, witnesses and other evidence connected with the case. Further developments will depend on the findings of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
