Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register an FIR and conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Disha Salian, the former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The court passed the order on September 2, 2026, after hearing a petition filed by Salian’s father, Satish Salian, who had questioned the earlier investigation into his daughter’s death. The court also directed that the relevant case records be handed over to the CBI. At the same time, the bench made it clear that no individual should be treated as an accused unless the investigation produces sufficient material against that person.
Disha Salian Died in June 2020
Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai’s Malad area. Following her death, Mumbai Police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and conducted an inquiry. The police investigation had treated the death as a case of suicide.
However, over the years, questions were raised about the circumstances surrounding her death. Salian’s father later approached the Bombay High Court, seeking registration of an FIR and a fresh investigation into the case. His petition alleged that his daughter had been sexually assaulted and murdered and that there had been an attempt to cover up the circumstances of her death. These remain allegations and have not been established as facts by a court.
High Court Raised Questions Over Earlier Investigation
During the recent proceedings, the Bombay High Court questioned aspects of the earlier investigation and sought explanations regarding alleged procedural and medical inconsistencies. The court had also questioned why only an Accidental Death Report was registered despite allegations raised by the family. Concerns were also raised regarding the availability of important case documents, including the post-mortem report and the ADR, to the family. The observations came as the court examined the family’s demand for a fresh and independent investigation.
CBI Asked to Register FIR
With its latest order, the High Court has directed the CBI to register an FIR and investigate the circumstances surrounding Disha Salian’s death. The court has directed the investigating agency to record the statement of her father and take over the relevant records from Mumbai Police. A senior officer is also expected to supervise the investigation. Importantly, the court has clarified that the CBI investigation should not automatically result in anyone being treated as an accused. Any person can be treated as an accused only if sufficient material emerges during the investigation.
What Happens If No Criminal Case Is Found?
The court has also laid down what should happen if the CBI investigation does not establish a criminal case. If the investigation finds that no offence has been made out, the CBI will be required to submit an appropriate summary report before the competent court. Salian’s father will have the liberty to challenge such a report, according to the court’s directions.
Why the Case Has Remained in Focus
Disha Salian’s death has remained a subject of public interest, particularly because it occurred only days before the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The two deaths have frequently been discussed together in public debate. However, the High Court’s latest order concerns the circumstances surrounding Disha Salian’s death, and the CBI investigation will now determine whether there is evidence of any criminal wrongdoing. The court’s decision does not establish the allegations made in the petition as fact. Instead, it opens the way for a fresh investigation so that the circumstances surrounding the death can be examined independently. The CBI probe is now expected to establish the sequence of events, examine the available evidence and determine whether any criminal offence was committed.
