The investigation into the death of former celebrity manager Disha Salian has taken another turn after her father Satish Salian and members of his legal team sought police protection, citing alleged threats.
Advocate Nilesh Ojha, who represents Satish Salian, said on Sunday that four people had requested security in connection with the ongoing case. They include Satish Salian, witness Sameer Wankhede, Ojha himself and Ashutosh Pathak. The lawyer said representations were sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the CBI, the Chief Justice of India and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Lawyer Alleges Threats From Shiv Sena (UBT) Leaders
According to Ojha, the request for protection was made after what he described as threats from people associated with Shiv Sena (UBT).
The allegations have been made by Satish Salian and his legal representative and have not been established as fact by a court. The latest development comes amid an increasingly contentious legal dispute surrounding the investigation into Disha Salian’s death.
Ojha has previously alleged that members of the political group threatened members of his legal team. The lawyer also claimed that such threats were connected to his efforts to pursue the case on behalf of Disha’s father.
Rs 500-Crore Defamation Notice To Aaditya Thackeray
The police protection request follows another major development in the case.
On September 19, Satish Salian’s legal team served a Rs 500-crore defamation notice on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. The notice sought an apology and compensation over remarks concerning Satish’s efforts to seek a fresh investigation into his daughter’s death.
The notice also became part of the dispute over whether Satish Salian’s demand for a new investigation was being portrayed as politically motivated.
Aaditya Thackeray Has Denied Knowing Disha
Aaditya Thackeray has rejected allegations connecting him personally to Disha Salian.
In a statement shared earlier this month, Thackeray said he had never met or known Disha Salian. He described attempts to repeatedly link his name to the case as an “evidence-free” campaign and said the investigation should proceed on the basis of facts without political interference or a media trial.
This position is important as the fresh CBI investigation continues and allegations made by different parties remain subject to investigation.
CBI Has Registered A Fresh FIR
The latest developments come after the Bombay High Court directed a fresh CBI investigation into Disha Salian’s death.
The CBI subsequently registered an FIR on September 14 following the court's September 2 order. Reports have noted that the FIR names several individuals for investigation, but the Bombay High Court has stressed that a person should not be treated as an accused unless sufficient material emerges during the investigation.
This distinction is significant because being named in an FIR or having one's conduct examined during an investigation does not by itself establish criminal guilt.
Disha Salian Died In June 2020
Disha Salian, who had worked as a celebrity manager and was associated professionally with actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died in Mumbai on June 8, 2020, after falling from a high-rise building.
Her death was initially recorded by Mumbai Police as an accidental death case and was later treated as suicide. The circumstances surrounding her death subsequently became the subject of repeated public debate and legal demands for a fresh investigation.
The current CBI probe has reopened scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding her death.
Satish Salian Has Sought A Fresh Investigation
Disha’s father has been seeking a fresh probe into the circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death.
His legal petition before the Bombay High Court led to the court directing the CBI to investigate the matter. According to reports, Satish Salian has raised allegations concerning a wider conspiracy, while the investigation is expected to examine the available evidence before drawing conclusions.
The CBI investigation is therefore expected to determine what, if anything, the available evidence establishes regarding the allegations.
Earlier Dispute Over Serving The Legal Notice
The request for protection is also linked to the circumstances surrounding the serving of the defamation notice.
Before the notice was delivered at Aaditya Thackeray’s residence, Satish Salian had sought police security for himself and his legal team. His lawyer cited apprehension of obstruction or intimidation while personally serving the notice at Matoshree.
The notice was subsequently served on September 19.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Leaders Have Responded
The allegations have also drawn a response from Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders.
According to a Times of India report, party leader Ambadas Danve questioned the manner in which the notice was being served and described the move as a “publicity stunt.” The statement represents the political party’s side of the dispute, while Satish Salian and his lawyer have maintained their allegations regarding threats.
The competing claims have added another layer to a case that is already under a fresh central investigation.
What Happens Next In Disha Salian Case?
The immediate focus now remains on the CBI investigation and the evidence collected during the process.
Satish Salian and his legal team are seeking protection while continuing their legal efforts. At the same time, Aaditya Thackeray has denied knowing Disha and has called for the investigation to be conducted on facts.
As the probe progresses, statements, documents and other evidence will determine the findings of the investigating agency. Until then, allegations made by either side should be distinguished from findings established through the legal process.
The latest request for police protection shows that the Disha Salian case continues to generate significant legal and political developments more than six years after her death.
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