Bombay High Court Directs CBI to Probe Death of Disha Salian
The Bombay High Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the 2020 death of former celebrity manager Disha Salian following a petition filed by her father questioning the circumstances surrounding her demise.
What Happened
A Division Bench comprising Justice Sarang Kotwal and Justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale directed the CBI to register a First Information Report (FIR) and record the statement of the deceased’s father, Satish Salian. The court also ordered the Mumbai police to immediately transfer all case files and records to the central investigating agency.
Addressing the scope and procedure of the probe, the court clarified that no individual should be treated as an accused unless sufficient evidentiary material is uncovered during the inquiry. Furthermore, the Bench specified that if the agency concludes that no case is established after its investigation, it must submit a relevant summary report before the appropriate court, which Satish Salian will have the legal liberty to challenge.
Key Highlights
- CBI Investigation Ordered: The High Court mandated the CBI to register an FIR and commence an inquiry into Disha Salian’s passing.
- Immediate Transfer of Records: Mumbai police were instructed to hand over all related investigation papers to the CBI forthwith.
- Protection Regarding Accused Status: The court ruled that no person will be named or treated as an accused without sufficient supporting material gathered in the inquiry.
- Summary Report Provision: If the CBI finds no criminal case substantiated, it must file an appropriate report, with liberty reserved for the father to contest it.
- Case Background: Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building located in Malad, Mumbai.
Why This Matters
The ruling shifts the case from local authorities to a central investigative agency after prolonged legal disputes regarding the initial findings. Following Disha Salian’s death in June 2020, the Mumbai police had registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and subsequently concluded that the incident was a case of suicide.
However, Satish Salian challenged the local police inquiry by filing a petition before the Bombay High Court last year. Represented by advocate Nilesh Ojha, Salian raised serious doubts over the police handling of the matter, alleging that his daughter was gang-raped and murdered. His plea also alleged a politically motivated cover-up designed to shield influential figures and requested the registration of an FIR against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.
What to Watch Next
Following the High Court order, the CBI is slated to take over the case documents from the Mumbai police, register the FIR, and formally record Satish Salian’s statement. The subsequent proceedings will depend on whether the central agency uncovers sufficient material to proceed against specific individuals or ultimately submits a summary report closing the inquiry before the concerned court.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Disha Salian pass away?
Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential apartment in Mumbai’s Malad area.
What were the initial findings of the Mumbai police?
The Mumbai police initially lodged an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and subsequently stated after their inquiry that the incident was a suicide.
What did the High Court rule regarding named accused individuals?
The High Court held that no person can be treated as an accused unless the CBI gathers sufficient material against them during the course of the investigation.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.