BJP MLA Ram Kadam on Tuesday, 15 September accused the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government of deliberately ignoring the Disha Salian death case, alleging that the police actively worked to shield individuals whose names surfaced in the matter. The accusations came a day after the Bombay High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register an FIR based on a statement by Disha's father, Satish Salian.

Key Allegations by Ram Kadam

Kadam, speaking to reporters, said that Disha's father had repeatedly and publicly expressed his anguish, alleging that his daughter was murdered, tortured, and subjected to atrocities before her death — including raising suspicions of gang-rape. Despite these serious allegations, Kadam claimed, the then-government chose inaction. 'At the time of Disha's death, her father repeatedly came forward, expressing his anguish and seeking justice, saying that his daughter had been murdered and that she had been subjected to torture and atrocities before her death. He also raised suspicions of gang-rape. Despite this, the Uddhav Thackeray government at the time appeared to turn a blind eye, while the police seemed to be trying to cover up the matter. Why was a case not registered at the time? What was the reason?' Kadam said.

Sting Operation and Post-Mortem Claims

The BJP MLA further alleged that a sting operation revealed a person present during the post-mortem who reportedly described different injuries and scratch marks on Disha's body, including on her private parts. Kadam used this to reinforce his charge that a cover-up was underway. 'If the Uddhav Thackeray government was not trying to save anybody, then why was a case not registered?' he asked. He also questioned why the matter was not handed over to the CBI earlier, and why politicians, actors, and others were allegedly involved without scrutiny.

Attack on Supriya Sule

Kadam also took aim at Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule over her remarks on the case, questioning whether she believed herself to be above the judiciary. 'Does she want the judiciary not to hear the matter? If the judiciary issues a direction, does she want it not to be followed further?' he asked. His remarks signal that the case is fast becoming a political flashpoint, with the ruling alliance in Maharashtra using it to target the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.

CBI FIR and Background

Disha Salian, the former manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died on 8 June 2020 in Mumbai. Her death preceded Rajput's by a few days and has long been a subject of political controversy and public speculation. Following the Bombay High Court's directive on Monday, the CBI formally registered an FIR in the case on the basis of Satish Salian's statement — a development that has reignited scrutiny of how the case was handled in 2020. This comes amid a broader political battle over the handling of high-profile deaths in Maharashtra during the Thackeray government's tenure.

What Happens Next

With the CBI now formally in the picture, the investigation is expected to move beyond state police jurisdiction, potentially reopening evidence and witness accounts from 2020. Kadam reiterated that the law is equal for all, and that the previous government's failure to ask the right questions is why it now faces scrutiny. The case is likely to intensify political tensions in Maharashtra ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.