Narayan Rane drops bombshell: Uddhav Thackeray allegedly pressured him over Disha Salian case

In a fresh political controversy, Lok Sabha MP and former Union Minister Narayan Rane has alleged that former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray personally urged him not to mention his son Aaditya Thackeray‘s name in connection with the Disha Salian case. Rane’s claim, which resurfaced amid ongoing political tensions in Maharashtra, has reignited debates about alleged political influence in high-profile death investigations.

Disha Salian, a former talent manager associated with Bollywood actors, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in June 2020, just days before the tragic passing of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. While both deaths were extensively scrutinised, with demands for independent investigations, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) ultimately ruled out foul play in Rajput’s case, leading to further speculation about Salian’s death.

Rane has consistently maintained that powerful individuals attempted to suppress critical details about Salian’s demise. His latest statement directly implicates Uddhav Thackeray in allegedly trying to prevent any public mention of Aaditya’s potential involvement.

What Did Narayan Rane Reveal About His Conversation With Uddhav Thackeray?

Narayan Rane detailed an interaction in which Uddhav Thackeray, through his close aide Milind Narvekar—now a legislator—contacted him to discuss the issue. Rane claimed that Narvekar called him while he was en route to his residence and conveyed that Uddhav wished to speak with him. Upon taking the call, Rane greeted Uddhav with “Jai Maharashtra,” to which the former Chief Minister reportedly remarked on his continued use of the phrase.

According to Rane, Uddhav then specifically asked him to refrain from mentioning Aaditya’s name in connection with Salian’s death. Rane asserted that he had not named anyone explicitly but had merely stated in press interactions that a minister was involved. At the time of Salian’s death, Aaditya Thackeray was a serving minister in the Maharashtra government.

“Disha Salian’s father had to approach the High Court because he did not receive justice from the police. He felt that the system was not helping him, which led him to take legal recourse,” Rane alleged. He further claimed that Uddhav Thackeray’s assistant initially reached out to him regarding the case.

Rane recounted that Uddhav, during their conversation, attempted to appeal to him as a father, pointing out that both of them had children. According to Rane, Uddhav suggested that his son, BJP leader Nitesh Rane, should stop mentioning Aaditya’s name in connection with the case.

Did Political Influence Affect the Disha Salian Investigation?

Beyond the alleged conversation with Uddhav Thackeray, Rane made additional claims regarding the handling of the case. He alleged that there was undue pressure exerted on Salian’s family, particularly during the postmortem process. He claimed that the doctor responsible for the examination was changed under political influence, raising questions about whether evidence may have been tampered with or suppressed.

These claims align with earlier speculation that the investigation into Salian’s death was not conducted with full transparency. However, there has been no official confirmation or legal action substantiating these allegations. Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, dismissing such claims as politically motivated attacks.

How Does This Relate to the Sushant Singh Rajput Case?

Salian’s death was widely discussed alongside the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, which occurred shortly thereafter. Public outcry over Rajput’s death led to multiple investigations, including probes by the Mumbai Police, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and ultimately, the CBI.

The CBI’s final report ruled out any foul play in Rajput’s death, effectively clearing actress Rhea Chakraborty and her family of allegations related to financial misconduct and abetment to suicide. However, the case remained politically sensitive, particularly in Maharashtra, where opposition leaders, including Rane, have persistently raised concerns about potential cover-ups and influential figures’ involvement.

Rane’s latest allegations bring renewed attention to unresolved questions surrounding Salian’s death, though legal authorities have not indicated any plans to reopen the investigation.

What Are the Political Implications of Rane’s Allegations?

Rane’s statements come at a time when Maharashtra’s political landscape remains highly volatile. The ongoing rivalry between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of the Shiv Sena has led to frequent accusations and counter-accusations.

Given Rane’s affiliation with the BJP and his longstanding political feud with Uddhav Thackeray, his remarks are being viewed as part of a broader political battle. Nevertheless, his claim about Uddhav’s alleged attempt to control the narrative surrounding Salian’s case adds another dimension to the controversy.

While Rane has urged for further investigation into the case, no new legal developments have emerged thus far. With Maharashtra set to witness key elections in the near future, the issue may continue to be a focal point in political discourse, particularly if opposition leaders use it to challenge the credibility of Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership.

Is There a Possibility of Reopening the Disha Salian Case?

Despite persistent demands from certain political figures for an FIR and further arrests in Salian’s case, investigative agencies have not indicated any fresh developments. The Mumbai Police had initially ruled her death as an accidental fall from a high-rise apartment, though alternative theories have continued to circulate.

Unless new evidence emerges or legal petitions succeed in prompting further judicial scrutiny, the case may remain closed. However, as political narratives evolve, the controversy surrounding Salian’s death—and its alleged connections to Maharashtra’s political elite—seems unlikely to fade from public discussion anytime soon.