The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a First Information Report in the Disha Salian death case, formally bringing Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MLA Aaditya Thackeray within the investigative framework as an accused. The filing marks a significant escalation in a case that has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political landscape.
Disha Salian, a 26-year-old junior assistant working in a Mumbai clinic, was found dead in a Bandra apartment on July 17, 2025. Her death was ruled a suicide, and initial investigations by the Mumbai Police suggested she had been in a relationship with Thackeray, who is the nephew of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and a prominent young face of the party.
According to sources familiar with the CBI's approach, the agency has taken over the investigation from the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, citing the high-profile nature of the case and the involvement of a senior political figure. The CBI FIR reportedly includes charges related to criminal conspiracy and abetment to suicide, though legal experts caution that the final charges will depend on the depth of the probe.
The case ignited widespread public outrage and debate about power dynamics, workplace harassment, and the treatment of young women working in vulnerable positions. Protests erupted across Mumbai, with civil society groups and women's rights organizations demanding a thorough and transparent investigation. Large crowds gathered near Thackeray's Bandra residence in subsequent days, condemning what they described as impunity among powerful individuals.
Aaditya Thackeray has denied any wrongdoing and has described the allegations as politically motivated. His legal team has argued that the relationship was consensual and that no criminal conduct can be established. The Supreme Court recently transferred the case from Mumbai Police custody to CBI oversight, ordering a fair and impartial probe.
Political reactions have been sharply divided. Shiv Sena leaders have defended Thackeray, calling the investigation a conspiracy against their party, while opposition parties have demanded his immediate resignation. The case has further strained relations between the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance partners in Maharashtra, where governance is already grappling with multiple crises.
Legal analysts note that even if the FIR is filed, the burden of proof remains high in cases of abetment to suicide, particularly when the accused holds significant political influence. Courts in India have historically required clear evidence of sustained harassment or deliberate provocation before convicting anyone under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code.
