Disha Salian case sparks political storm as Rohit Pawar accuses government of election agenda

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra as the death of Disha Salian, former manager of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has once again become a focal point of debate. National Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) leader and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Rohit Pawar has accused the ruling Mahayuti alliance of exploiting the names of Salian and Rajput to influence voters ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The accusations come after Salian’s father, Satish, moved the Bombay High Court demanding a new probe into the circumstances of his daughter’s death in June 2020.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Pawar alleged that the ruling coalition, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), was reviving the case purely for political gains. He stated that the government was attempting to tarnish former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray’s reputation by linking him to the case without substantive evidence.

What Are the Allegations Against Aaditya Thackeray?

The case has gained renewed traction after Advocate Nilesh C Ojha, representing Satish Salian, labeled Aaditya Thackeray as an “accused” in his petition to the Bombay High Court. Ojha also alleged that former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had deliberately avoided taking action against Thackeray. Furthermore, he accused police officers involved in the investigation of suppressing key evidence to cover up the case.

Thackeray, a senior leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction, has consistently denied any involvement in Salian’s death. His father, Uddhav Thackeray, who previously served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, dismissed the allegations as a political stunt. Speaking at a public event, he challenged opponents to present evidence before the court rather than making baseless accusations. He also expressed surprise at the timing of the allegations, noting that the issue had not been raised in recent legislative sessions.

How Has the Opposition Reacted to the Renewed Allegations?

The opposition, particularly the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction, has pushed back against the Mahayuti alliance, calling the revival of the case a strategic move to divert public attention from pressing governance issues. Rohit Pawar claimed that the names of Disha Salian and Sushant Singh Rajput were being used for political mileage, particularly in the context of elections in Mumbai and Bihar.

“They will use these names now, but after the elections, they will forget them. This is very wrong,” Pawar stated, accusing the ruling government of manipulating public sentiment rather than addressing real concerns.

Uddhav Thackeray also issued a strong warning against making false accusations, stating that such claims could “boomerang” on those making them. His remarks highlighted the contentious nature of the allegations and their potential impact on the political landscape.

What Led to the Demand for a Fresh Probe?

Satish Salian’s renewed demand for an investigation comes nearly four years after his daughter’s death, which was initially ruled as a suicide. However, conspiracy theories surrounding the case gained traction, particularly after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput just a week later. Rajput’s passing led to widespread speculation, with many questioning whether the two incidents were connected.

In his petition, Salian’s father expressed dissatisfaction with the initial investigation, claiming that crucial aspects of the case had been overlooked. His lawyer, Nilesh Ojha, alleged that there was an intentional effort to shield powerful individuals from scrutiny.

While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had previously examined Rajput’s case, Salian’s death was not treated as a separate criminal case, further fueling suspicions among certain sections of the public. The demand for a fresh probe has now reignited political and legal debates over the handling of the investigation.

Is There a Pattern of Politicising High-Profile Cases in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra has witnessed several instances where high-profile deaths have turned into political flashpoints. The Sushant Singh Rajput case, for instance, saw a similar trajectory, with different political parties using the incident to target opponents.

The pattern suggests that public sentiment around tragic incidents often becomes a tool for electoral strategy. With the BMC elections looming, the Salian case has resurfaced at a crucial juncture, raising questions about whether the renewed focus is driven by a genuine pursuit of justice or a calculated political move.

What’s Next in the Legal and Political Battle?

With the Bombay High Court now expected to deliberate on Satish Salian’s petition, the legal proceedings surrounding the case could influence the ongoing political narrative. If the court orders a reinvestigation, it could have significant ramifications, especially for Aaditya Thackeray and the opposition parties.

Meanwhile, the Mahayuti alliance is likely to continue leveraging the issue to counter the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction. Given the highly charged political environment, the case is expected to remain a key topic of debate in the run-up to the BMC elections.

While political leaders trade accusations, the larger question remains whether the case will lead to concrete legal developments or merely serve as another instance of electoral opportunism. As Maharashtra’s political climate intensifies, the unfolding events around the Disha Salian case will be closely watched for their impact on both governance and the upcoming elections.