'Accused are not absolved yet': Disha Salian's father's lawyer reacts to CBI's closure report on SSR case

Synopsis
In response to the CBI's closure reports on Sushant Singh Rajput's case, lawyer Nilesh C Ojha argues that the accused are not exonerated. He emphasizes the potential for further investigation and addresses key unanswered questions from Disha Salian's case, advocating for justice and transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Closure reports do not exonerate the accused.
- Further investigations can be mandated by the court.
- Political influences should not impact the case.
- Key questions remain unanswered regarding Disha Salian's case.
- Concerns over the validity of initial investigation claims.
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) The recent submission of closure reports by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the deaths of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput (SSR) has ignited new discussions and controversies. Advocate Nilesh C Ojha, who represents Disha Salian's father, has responded with strength to the CBI's decision, emphasizing that a closure report does not inherently absolve the accused and that further investigation remains a possibility.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Ojha stressed that the closure report issued by the CBI concerning Rajput does not imply that the accused are cleared of all charges.
"Firstly, there has not been any credible statement from CBI regarding the closure report. Even after a closure report is filed, it does not mean that the accused are released. The court may reject the report if it deems it inadequate or if new evidence surfaces. The court could mandate further investigations, issue new charge sheets, or even authorize arrest warrants against the accused, similar to instances in the Aarushi Talwar murder case," he remarked.
Ojha also mentioned that he had not yet reviewed the closure report and that the CBI has not provided any official or credible statement about its findings.
He referred to instances from previous high-profile cases, such as that of Justice Nirmal Yadav, where courts have initiated further investigations after dismissing closure reports.
"The court may decline to accept the closure report if it finds the investigation incomplete or unsatisfactory. In such scenarios, a new charge sheet may be submitted, or even arrest warrants might be issued," he explained.
Regarding the ongoing political discussions surrounding the case, Ojha firmly dismissed the idea that political motivations are influencing the case.
"While politicians may have their own agendas, this case is fundamentally about seeking justice for Disha Salian and Sushant Singh Rajput, not about political gains. The legal process should remain independent and focused on uncovering the truth, free from political influences," Ojha asserted.
He also outlined the legal actions taken by Disha Salian's father in his pursuit of justice. According to Ojha, Disha's father submitted a public interest litigation (PIL) in September 2023, prompting the Maharashtra government to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by December of that year.
Ojha further indicated that despite the SIT's formation and Disha's father's calls for reopening the case, there has been considerable delay in action from the authorities.
"In January 2024, a formal complaint was lodged by Disha’s father, which included evidence and requested the registration of a case of gang rape and murder against individuals like Aditya Thackeray. However, the complaint faced significant delays, and despite presenting substantial evidence, the case was not registered," Ojha added.
The advocate highlighted critical unresolved issues in the case that he believes demand immediate attention.
"Disha Salian's father is seeking answers to four essential questions: Was Aditya Thackeray's mobile tower location connected to the incident? Was he present in the area at the time? Why was a false post-mortem report generated? And why were witnesses allegedly threatened?" he stated.
Ojha emphasized that these outstanding issues suggest serious manipulations in the investigation and the necessity for transparency and accountability.
He also noted that the original claims made by the police, such as the narrative of Disha Salian’s death resulting from a fall from the 14th floor without any visible injuries, raise significant doubts.
"When the post-mortem report indicates no fractures or blood loss, it raises profound questions about the validity of the investigation. The authorities must address these discrepancies," Ojha concluded.
Sushant (34), widely recognized as SSR, was discovered deceased at his residence in Bandra on June 14, 2020, triggering a substantial controversy. The inquiry was subsequently transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation. His postmortem report, conducted at Mumbai's Cooper Hospital, determined the cause of death to be asphyxia.