CBI opens fresh probe into Salian death, bringing renewed scrutiny to a case that has remained surrounded by unanswered questions since 2020. The development follows the Bombay High Court’s September 2 direction for a fresh and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Disha Salian, former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

A Death That Triggered Years of Speculation

Salian was found dead on June 8, 2020, after falling from a high-rise residential building in Mumbai’s Malad area. Six days later, Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence. The proximity of the two deaths generated intense public speculation about a possible connection, although no established investigative finding has publicly demonstrated such a link.

Mumbai Police registered an Accidental Death Report and, following its inquiry, treated Salian’s death as suicide. The case returned to the courts after her father, Satish Salian, alleged shortcomings in the original investigation and claimed that his daughter had been murdered. His allegations remain claims and have not been established as facts.

High Court Flags Gaps in Original Investigation

The Bombay High Court’s intervention does not establish that Salian was murdered. Instead, the court found sufficient grounds to warrant an independent examination of the circumstances. It observed that the Mumbai Police investigation “raises more questions than it answers” and highlighted several discrepancies.

Among the issues flagged was a delay of more than nine hours in conducting the spot panchnama, despite police reportedly reaching the building soon after the incident. CCTV footage showed police personnel at the premises before the death was officially recorded, but the investigation did not adequately explain their presence or actions.

The court also questioned references to statements by Salian’s parents in the Accidental Death Report when her father was reportedly yet to reach the hospital. It noted inconsistencies involving blood evidence, injuries recorded following the fall and unexplained damage to a bedroom door that witnesses said had been forced open.

Forensic And Digital Evidence Under Fresh Scrutiny

The court further pointed to differences between samples described in the post-mortem report and material subsequently sent to the forensic science laboratory. Salian’s mobile phone and laptop were seized only eight days after the incident, raising additional questions about the handling and preservation of potentially important evidence.

Taken together, these circumstances led the court to find “reasonable suspicion” sufficient to justify registration of an FIR and a fresh investigation.

CBI Begins a Wider Examination

The CBI has now registered an FIR and begun taking over relevant records and evidence from Mumbai Police. Investigators are expected to examine forensic material, digital devices, CCTV footage, witness statements and the chronology of police action.

The High Court has directed an independent investigation “in all aspects”. Crucially, however, it clarified that its observations were limited to determining whether an FIR and fresh probe were warranted and should not be treated as findings of guilt against anyone.

Evidence, Not Speculation, Will Decide

The fresh investigation could either reinforce the earlier conclusion of suicide or uncover evidence indicating that a criminal offence occurred. It could also clarify whether there was any factual connection with Rajput’s death.

The CBI probe therefore represents an opportunity to replace years of speculation with evidence. Until investigators establish facts and the legal process determines responsibility, allegations of murder or a link between the two deaths must remain allegations—not conclusions.

(With agency inputs)