Satish Salian, father of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s former manager Disha Salian, has reportedly served a Rs 500 crore legal notice on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh.
The notice seeks damages over remarks allegedly made by the two politicians about Satish Salian’s efforts to seek a fresh investigation into his daughter’s death. According to the report, the notice claims that the remarks portrayed his pursuit of accountability as politically motivated.
The development comes after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a fresh FIR in connection with Disha Salian’s 2020 death.
What Does the Rs 500 Crore Legal Notice Say?
According to the details reported about the notice, Satish Salian has accused Aaditya Thackeray and Anil Deshmukh of questioning his motives for seeking a fresh probe.
The notice reportedly alleges that his efforts were described as “politically motivated” and made with an ulterior purpose. It calls such claims false, baseless and defamatory, according to the report.
The notice further argues that these remarks allegedly affected Satish Salian’s credibility and integrity while he was pursuing legal action concerning his daughter’s death.
It also disputes an alleged claim that the CBI had previously investigated the matter and cleared Thackeray of wrongdoing. These assertions form part of Satish Salian’s legal case and remain allegations at this stage.
Satish Salian’s Demand for Public Apology
Along with the Rs 500 crore damages, Satish Salian has reportedly demanded an “unconditional, unequivocal and unqualified” written and public apology from both politicians.
The notice seeks publication and broadcast of the apology through major print, television and digital media platforms.
It also reportedly calls for a video apology of at least three minutes, with the video to be uploaded on the official social media accounts of Aaditya Thackeray and Anil Deshmukh.
What Happened to Disha Salian?
Disha Salian, 28, died on June 8, 2020, after falling from a high-rise residential building in Mumbai’s Malad area.
Police initially treated her death as accidental and registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR).
Sushant Singh Rajput, for whom Disha Salian had worked as a manager, died six days later. The proximity of the two deaths led to sustained public and media attention surrounding the cases.
According to the supplied report, Satish Salian initially said he did not suspect foul play. He subsequently approached the Bombay High Court, seeking registration of an FIR and a fresh investigation into his daughter’s death.
His petition sought examination of the roles of several people, including Aaditya Thackeray, actor Dino Morea and actor Sooraj Pancholi.
Anil Deshmukh’s Alleged Remarks
The legal notice also refers to comments attributed to former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh.
According to the report, Deshmukh had described the Disha Salian matter as a “conspiracy to defame Aaditya Thackeray” in a statement on March 23, 2025.
Satish Salian’s notice reportedly argues that such remarks portrayed him as politically motivated and as someone misusing the legal system.
The allegations contained in the notice are disputed positions presented by the parties and have not been established as findings of a court.
Aaditya Thackeray Denies Knowing Disha Salian
Aaditya Thackeray has denied having any connection with Disha Salian.
Following the CBI FIR, Thackeray posted a statement on X, saying:
“I have never met Disha Salian, nor did I have any acquaintance with her.”
Thackeray said he wanted to “cut through the noise and talk facts, once again” and rejected the repeated allegations linking him to the case.
He also described the claims as an “evidence-free attempt at character assassination” and alleged that political and personal motives were behind the accusations.
“Let the official re-investigation proceed without malicious distractions and character assassination for political motives,” he said.
Thackeray has previously accused the BJP-led ruling alliance of bringing his name into the matter, according to the supplied report.
CBI Registers Fresh FIR
The CBI has now entered the case with a fresh FIR, registering offences under provisions relating to murder and criminal conspiracy, among others, according to the report.
The FIR reportedly identifies several people whose roles “require investigation”. Those named include Aaditya Thackeray, Dino Morea, Sooraj Pancholi and actor Rhea Chakraborty, as well as doctors and staff associated with the post-mortem process.
However, being named in an FIR or being identified as a person whose role requires investigation does not establish guilt or criminal wrongdoing. The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts and determine whether offences were committed and by whom.
The individuals named in connection with the case have disputed allegations of involvement.
What Happens Next in the Disha Salian Case?
The fresh CBI investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding Disha Salian’s death and the allegations raised during subsequent legal proceedings.
The Rs 500 crore notice from Satish Salian against Aaditya Thackeray and Anil Deshmukh is a separate legal development arising from statements allegedly made about his pursuit of a fresh investigation.
With the CBI probe underway, claims made by Satish Salian, responses from the politicians and the findings of investigators will remain subject to the ongoing legal process.
