The Bombay High Court on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register a First Information Report and conduct a thorough investigation into the 2020 death of former celebrity manager Disha Salian. Disha Salian was found dead on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in suburban Malad, Mumbai. Her death occurred days before actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra flat on June 14, 2020.
High Court Bench Directs Transfer of Records
The High Court order followed a petition filed by Satish Salian, Disha Salian's father, who alleged lapses by the Mumbai Police in their initial inquiry. The bench, comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale, instructed the CBI to record Satish Salian's statement and directed the Malvani Police Station to transfer all case records to the central agency. According to the court's directives, no individual is to be treated as an accused unless the Investigating Officer finds sufficient material against them during the inquiry. If the investigation concludes that no cognizable offense has occurred, the CBI is mandated to file an appropriate summary report, with Satish Salian retaining the legal right to challenge it.
Satish Salian expressed relief following the court's decision, stating, "I have been waiting for this for 6 years. I've been waiting for 6 years, and there is no reason to be happy. I have lost my daughter. I feel relieved today. That's all... I folded my hands and expressed my gratitude to him (the judge)." Advocate Nilesh Ojha, representing Satish Salian, explained, "The Court has directed the CBI to record the statement of Satish Salian, register an FIR, appoint a senior officer to conduct the investigation, and the Malvani Police Station to hand over all records to the CBI."
Initial Police Inquiries and Political Reactions
The Mumbai Police had previously registered an Accidental Death Report and maintained that her death was a case of suicide or an accidental fall. Appearing for the state, Chief Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray maintained that Disha Salian's death was a suicide or an accidental fall and that no evidence was found to prosecute anyone. Satish Salian's petition had claimed his daughter was subjected to gang rape and murder, questioning the police's failure to register an FIR despite those allegations.
The proceedings also drew political responses. BJP MLA Ram Kadam commented, "Finally, the judiciary has granted justice to Disha Salian's family." Conversely, senior advocate Sudeep Pasbola, representing Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray, opposed the petition during hearings, arguing that the proceedings were politically motivated.
Case Background and Verification Gaps
A detailed copy of the High Court's order is yet to be made publicly available. The case remains frequently linked by observers and the public to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, which occurred days after Salian's death and also prompted extensive investigations and significant public interest.
For Satish Salian and Disha Salian's family, the CBI probe offers a renewed opportunity for a thorough investigation into their daughter's death, potentially bringing them closer to clarity after a six-year pursuit. The Bombay High Court's decision to transfer the case to the CBI implies a judicial acknowledgment of alleged lapses in the Mumbai Police's initial investigation, which could lead to increased scrutiny of their operating procedures.
