Disha Salian Death Case: Key Areas CBI Is Likely To Examine After FIR

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR in the 2020 death of Disha Salian, former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, following a Bombay High Court order directing a fresh probe into the case. The agency has now begun the process of examining the circumstances surrounding Salian’s death and allegations raised by her family.

With the FIR in place, investigators are expected to begin by scrutinising documents, statements and allegations connected to the case. The probe is also likely to include recording statements of police personnel who handled the initial inquiry, examining the scene of the incident and questioning key witnesses. Technical and forensic analysis of available evidence will also form part of the investigation before the agency decides whether there are sufficient grounds to question any individual as a suspect.

What Will CBI Examine?

Investigators are expected to review the records of the initial police inquiry, including the circumstances in which Salian’s death was investigated and the evidence collected at the time.

The CBI is also expected to question officers who were involved in the initial investigation, along with people who were present or had relevant information about the events surrounding her death. The agency may revisit physical and digital evidence, including available phone and other technical records, as part of its investigation.

The Bombay High Court has directed that no person should be treated as an accused unless, in the opinion of the investigating officer, there are sufficient grounds to raise reasonable suspicion against them. The FIR itself, therefore, does not establish guilt against anyone named or referred to in the allegations.

Disha Salian Death Case

Disha Salian, who had worked as Sushant Singh Rajput’s manager, died in Mumbai in June 2020 after falling from a residential building.

Her death came shortly before Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020. The two deaths subsequently became the subject of intense public and media scrutiny, although they were investigated separately.

The initial police inquiry into Salian’s death treated it as an accidental death and concluded that there was no evidence of foul play. A Special Investigation Team constituted by the Maharashtra government in 2023 also reportedly found no evidence of foul play.

Satish Salian’s Statement To CBI

Salian’s father, Satish Salian, later approached the Bombay High Court seeking a fresh investigation, citing what he described as suspicious circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death.

He recorded a fresh statement before the CBI last week. According to reports, the statement was subsequently converted into the FIR registered by the agency on September 13.

The FIR contains allegations of murder, gang rape, destruction or disappearance of evidence and alleged attempts to suppress or manipulate records. These are allegations contained in the complaint and FIR and remain subject to investigation by the CBI.

What Happens Next?

The CBI’s immediate task is to establish the sequence of events surrounding Salian’s death and assess the evidence available from the original investigation as well as material presented in the fresh complaint.

Investigators are expected to examine documentary and digital evidence, revisit the scene, record statements and assess the accounts of witnesses and officials involved in the earlier inquiry.

Only after examining the available material will the agency determine whether there are sufficient grounds to question particular individuals as suspects or take any further legal action.

The investigation is therefore at an early stage, and the filing of the FIR does not by itself establish the allegations against any individual as proven. The CBI’s findings will depend on the evidence collected during the fresh investigation.