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The death of Disha Salian, a celebrity manager, in 2020 continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny and controversy, particularly within the political landscape of Maharashtra. The recent resurgence of this case during the Maharashtra Assembly session underscores the persistent questions and lingering doubts surrounding the circumstances of her death. The Mumbai Police, having previously investigated the matter, have consistently maintained that their investigations have yielded no evidence to suggest foul play. This stance, however, has not quelled the skepticism and calls for further investigation, especially from figures within the opposition. The narrative took a significant turn when Satish Salian, Disha's father, publicly expressed his suspicion of foul play for the first time, indicating his intention to petition the Bombay High Court for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This development has added considerable weight to the demands for a fresh and comprehensive investigation, potentially involving a different agency to ensure impartiality and thoroughness. The timing of Satish Salian's public statement, coinciding with the ongoing political debates and discussions surrounding the case, highlights the sensitivity and potential ramifications of the investigation. The involvement of political figures, particularly the allegations made by BJP leader Nitesh Rane, further complicates the matter and underscores the potential for political motivations to influence the narrative surrounding the case. The establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Mahayuti government, under the leadership of then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, initially appeared to be a proactive step towards addressing the concerns and seeking a resolution to the lingering questions. However, the SIT's progress has been reportedly hampered by the lack of cooperation from individuals who have alleged foul play. According to sources within the SIT, several summonses were issued to individuals, including family members and political figures like Nitesh Rane, requesting them to record their statements and provide any evidence or information that could assist the investigation. The failure of these individuals to come forward and provide their statements has reportedly stalled the SIT's progress, leaving the investigation in a state of impasse. The connection between Disha Salian's death and the subsequent death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, which occurred just a week later, has further fueled speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the circumstances of both deaths. While the investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's death was transferred to the CBI, the central agency has not pursued any action against any individual in relation to Disha Salian's death. The CBI's decision not to pursue a connection between the two deaths, based on the absence of evidence supporting such a link, has further solidified the Mumbai Police's stance that there is no evidence of foul play in Disha Salian's death. The Mumbai Police, in 2021, formally closed the inquiry into Disha Salian's death, citing the lack of evidence to support the various allegations and conspiracy theories circulating on social media. The police refuted claims that Disha Salian and Sushant Singh Rajput were both murdered, as well as allegations linking their deaths. The police investigation involved checking CCTV footage from the building where Disha Salian was staying with her fiancé in the days leading up to her death. The footage reportedly showed that she only left the apartment once to receive a delivery, and did not attend any parties or social gatherings. Furthermore, the post-mortem report refuted the claim that she was pregnant, and the statement of her father, who arrived at the scene shortly after her death, debunked the claim that she was found without clothes.
The persistent allegations made by Nitesh Rane, linking the deaths of Disha Salian and Sushant Singh Rajput and implicating a “politician” in the death of the celebrity manager, have added a layer of political intrigue to the case. Rane's oblique reference to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has further politicized the investigation and raised questions about the motives behind the allegations. The Mumbai Police have addressed these allegations, specifically addressing the claims that Disha Salian had “partied with politicians” days before her death. They checked the CCTV footage from her fiancé’s building where she was staying, revealing that she only came out once to take delivery for something she had ordered. This evidence contradicts the allegation that she attended any parties outside the apartment in the days leading up to her death. The police also refuted the allegation that Disha Salian was pregnant, citing the post-mortem report as evidence. Additionally, the claim that she was found without clothes was refuted by the statement of her father, who arrived at the scene shortly after her death. The police investigation also included recording statements from Disha Salian's friends who were present at the party on the night of her death. These friends reported that Disha Salian was upset due to some monetary losses at work. They also mentioned that they had called a friend living abroad to help cheer her up. This testimony suggests that Disha Salian was experiencing emotional distress prior to her death, which could have contributed to her decision to take her own life. The information gathered by the Mumbai Police and the SIT, along with the CBI's decision not to pursue a connection between the deaths of Disha Salian and Sushant Singh Rajput, supports the conclusion that there is no evidence of foul play in Disha Salian's death. However, the persistent allegations and conspiracy theories continue to fuel public skepticism and demand for further investigation.
The case of Disha Salian's death underscores the challenges of investigating high-profile cases involving celebrities and political figures. The intense media scrutiny and public interest can create a climate of speculation and misinformation, making it difficult for investigators to gather reliable evidence and reach objective conclusions. The political dimensions of the case further complicate matters, as allegations and accusations can be used for political gain or to damage the reputations of individuals and organizations. The lack of cooperation from individuals who have alleged foul play has also hampered the investigation, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in such cases. The case also raises questions about the role of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing investigations. The spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media can create a distorted picture of reality and undermine public trust in law enforcement and the justice system. In order to ensure that justice is served, it is essential for investigators to remain objective and impartial, and to rely on evidence rather than speculation or hearsay. It is also important for the media to report responsibly and avoid sensationalizing the case or promoting conspiracy theories. The case of Disha Salian's death serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of investigating high-profile cases, and the importance of transparency, accountability, and objectivity in the pursuit of justice. The persistent demand for further investigation underscores the need for authorities to address public concerns and ensure that all possible avenues of inquiry have been exhausted.
Source: Disha Salian death case: What probes by Mumbai police and SIT have found so far