The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the circumstances surrounding the 2020 death of Disha Salian, the former celebrity manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The order came on a petition filed by her father, Satish Salian, who alleged serious lapses in the Mumbai Police's handling of the case.

What the Court Directed

While pronouncing the order, the Bombay High Court laid out specific instructions for the CBI: the agency must record petitioner Satish Salian's statement, register a First Information Report (FIR), appoint a senior officer to lead the investigation, and take custody of all relevant records from Malvani Police Station. The court also made clear that no individual should be treated as an accused unless the Investigating Officer uncovers sufficient material against them during the probe.

The bench further clarified that if the CBI files a closure report, the petitioner retains the right to object and file a protest petition — a procedural safeguard that advocacy groups have long called essential in high-profile cases.

Father's Reaction: 'Truth Always Wins'

Satish Salian welcomed the verdict and expressed gratitude to those who backed his legal battle. 'I expressed my gratitude to the court, and I am grateful to all of you. Because of you all, we got justice. It is because of Nilesh Ojha and his team that I see today's victory. Just as we are fighting now, we will continue to fight in the future as well,' he said.

He added a pointed message for those he holds responsible: 'See, if we are wrong, then tell us we are wrong. If they are wrong, tell them they are wrong. Now, I will say that truth never loses; truth always wins. And I have 100 per cent belief in my lawyer, Nilesh Ojha. Whoever has done this is very wrong. They will suffer for this.'

What the Petitioner's Lawyer Said

Advocate Nilesh Ojha, counsel for Satish Salian, said the court's directions were comprehensive. 'The court has made it clear that action must be taken against anyone against whom evidence is found. At the same time, no person should be named as an accused without evidence. It has also clarified that if the CBI files a closure report, we will have the right to object and file a protest petition. We have full faith that truth will prevail,' Ojha said.

Background and Context

Disha Salian died in 2020 under circumstances that have remained contested. Her death preceded the passing of Sushant Singh Rajput by a few days and has since been entangled in the broader public and political discourse surrounding that case. Satish Salian had long alleged that the Mumbai Police investigation into his daughter's death was inadequate, prompting him to seek judicial intervention. This order marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings, shifting investigative authority from the local police to the country's apex investigation agency. Notably, CBI involvement in cases of this nature typically signals that a court has found prima facie grounds to question the adequacy of the original probe.

What Happens Next

The CBI is now expected to initiate formal proceedings, beginning with recording Satish Salian's statement and securing records from Malvani Police Station. The appointment of a senior investigating officer will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the case. Any findings — or a closure report — will be subject to further judicial scrutiny, with Satish Salian retaining the right to challenge the latter.