Disha Salian case: Bombay HC orders CBI probe into death of Sushant Singh’s former manager

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, Sep 2, 2026: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation into the death of Disha Salian, former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, and ordered the registration of an FIR in the case.

A division bench comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale directed the CBI to appoint a senior and experienced officer to investigate the matter. The Malvani Police Station has also been directed to hand over all relevant records to the central agency.

Salian was found dead on June 8, 2020, after allegedly falling from the 14th floor of a high-rise in suburban Malad. Her death occurred days before Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence in Mumbai.

What High Court Said

The High Court made it clear that no individual should be treated as an accused unless the investigation produces substantive material against them.

“Do not treat anyone as an accused until the investigation finds substantive material against someone," the court stated.

The bench said that if the investigation establishes that a cognisable offence has been committed, the chargesheet should be filed at the earliest.

However, if no cognisable offence is made out, the investigating officer has been directed to initiate appropriate closure proceedings before the competent court.

The court also directed that the statement of Disha’s father, Satish Salian, be recorded during the investigation. He has further been given the liberty to file a protest petition if the CBI submits a negative report.

Advocate Nilesh Ojha, who represented Satish Salian, said the court had laid down specific directions for the investigation and ensured that action would follow if evidence emerges against any individual.

“The Court has directed the CBI to record the statement of Satish Salian, register an FIR, appoint a senior officer to conduct the investigation, and the Malvani Police Station to hand over all records to the CBI. Furthermore, action will be taken against anyone against whom evidence is found. No one will be named as an accused if there is no evidence against them. Additionally, if the CBI submits a negative report, we have the right to raise objections and file a protest petition. The court has explicitly stated this in its order. I thank the court," Ojha said.

‘Thankful To Court’: Salian’s Father

Reacting to the order, Satish Salian said to ANI, “I have lost my daughter…I am thankful to the court."

Speaking to News18, he said, “CBI will investigate it now…we have to be strong and keep patience." “Matter has been given to CBI," he added.

The proceedings stem from concerns raised during an earlier hearing by a Division Bench of Justice Bharti Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande over the fact that only an Accidental Death Report (ADR) had been registered in the matter, rather than an FIR, despite the family’s allegations that Salian had been murdered.

The court had also noted that Salian’s family had allegedly not been provided copies of the post-mortem report and ADR even five years after her death.

With Wednesday’s order, the investigation will now move to the CBI, with the central agency required to examine the available records and evidence before determining whether a cognisable offence has been committed.