The Bombay High Court has ordered the CBI to register an FIR and conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Disha Salian, former manager to actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

  • Bombay High Court directs CBI to register an FIR in Disha Salian's death case.
  • Salian was the former manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
  • The petition alleged lapses and negligence by the Mumbai Police.
  • CBI will take over all investigation records from the Malvani Police Station.

Mumbai: In a landmark development, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register an FIR and carry out a comprehensive probe into the death of Disha Salian, the former manager of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The directive follows a petition filed by Salian's father, Satish Salian, who alleged significant investigative lapses by the Mumbai Police in the 2020 case.

Disha Salian was found dead on June 8, 2020, after reportedly falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai's Malad area. Her death occurred just days before the high-profile passing of Sushant Singh Rajput, which sent shockwaves through the nation. At the time, the local police had only registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR), a move that the family has vehemently contested for years.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this judicial intervention marks a critical turning point in a case that has long been shrouded in controversy and allegations of external influence. By shifting the investigation from local police to a central agency, the court aims to address the perceived lack of transparency and potential procedural failures that have delayed justice for the Salian family.

The transition of this case to the CBI represents a crucial step in ensuring that high-profile investigations are insulated from local political or departmental pressures.

A division bench comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale emphasized that no individual should be treated as an accused unless the investigating officer uncovers sufficient material evidence. The court has further mandated that the Mumbai police hand over all case files and records to the CBI immediately.

Legal counsel for the petitioner, Nilesh Ojha, expressed relief at the court's decision, noting that the family had previously alleged that influential individuals and certain senior police officers had hindered the initial investigation. "We provided proof on record that all these things were affecting the situation. An FIR was mandatory under Supreme Court guidelines, yet it was not registered," Ojha stated.

The history of this case is fraught with tension. While police initially labeled the death a suicide, Satish Salian's petition alleged gang-rape and murder. Furthermore, the court had previously noted with concern that the family had not been provided with post-mortem reports or ADR copies even after five years had elapsed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the original police classification of Disha Salian's death?
The Mumbai police originally registered it as an Accidental Death Report (ADR), concluding it was a case of suicide.

2. What are the specific instructions given to the CBI?
The CBI must register an FIR, record statements from relevant parties (including Satish Salian), and appoint a senior officer to lead the probe.

Did You Know?: Disha Salian's death occurred in June 2020, mere days before the actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment.