'Who Could Be the Mastermind ..,' Nitesh Rane Demands Aditya Thackeray’s Arrest, Calls for Investigation in Disha Salian Case

Disha Salian Case: Maharashtra politics has once again been stirred up as BJP leader and state minister Nitesh Rane has demanded the arrest of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray in connection with the Disha Salian case. Rane has raised serious allegations and called for a thorough investigation into the mysterious death of Sushant Singh Rajput’s former manager.

Nitesh Rane Alleges Cover-Up in Disha Salian Case

Nitesh Rane has questioned why Aditya Thackeray has remained silent on the issue. He stated that Disha Salian’s father had named multiple individuals, including Aditya Thackeray and Bollywood actor Sooraj Pancholi, in a petition. According to Rane, the petition alleges that Disha was gang-raped and murdered, and it demands an FIR against Aditya Thackeray while urging a CBI probe into the case.

Mumbai, Maharashtra: On the Disha Salian case, Minister Nitesh Rane says, "Her father himself named three more individuals—Aditya Thackeray, Sooraj Pancholi... Her father has taken their names. Yet, you ask who the mastermind is. Who could be the mastermind?... Where is Aaditya… pic.twitter.com/HH5bgoG9E6

— IANS (@ians_india) March 20, 2025

“Who could be the mastermind? Where is Aditya Thackeray? Why is he avoiding the public and not responding?” Rane asked, adding that if Thackeray was not involved, he should openly face an inquiry.

Why is Aditya Thackeray Being Named in the Case?

The demand for Aditya Thackeray’s arrest comes in the wake of serious allegations by Disha Salian’s father. The petitioner has claimed that there was an attempt to suppress the case and that justice has not been served. Rane cited a Supreme Court ruling that states an FIR should be registered first if an individual is accused of rape.

“This is a straightforward case. Why is Aditya Thackeray being protected? If he is innocent, why is he running away? Justice should be equal for everyone,” Rane asserted.

He further demanded that all individuals named in the case, including actors Suraj Pancholi and Dino Morea, should be interrogated. “If they are innocent, the investigation will clear them. But why is Aditya Thackeray hesitant to come forward and face the truth?” Rane questioned.

Political War of Words Over the Investigation

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has dismissed the allegations, questioning the timing of the petition. However, Rane hit back, stating that political pressure was exerted on Disha Salian’s family to stay silent about the case.

“Disha Salian’s father was under immense pressure not to speak out. Why did former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar visit their house back then? All these aspects need to be probed,” Rane said.

He urged all politicians to step aside and let justice prevail, emphasizing that the case should be investigated without any bias.

Aditya Thackeray Denies Allegations, Calls It a Defamation Attempt

Amid the accusations, Aditya Thackeray has defended himself, alleging that the Maharashtra government is attempting to malign his reputation. He stated that for the past five years, attempts have been made to link him to the Disha Salian case unfairly.

“These false claims are part of a political conspiracy. I will fight this battle legally and continue working for the country’s betterment,” Thackeray asserted in a press briefing.

The Mysterious Death of Disha Salian

Disha Salian reportedly fell from the 14th floor of a Malad apartment on June 8, 2020, in what the Mumbai Police initially recorded as an accidental death. Just six days later, Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra residence. His death was first ruled a suicide but later handed over to the CBI for further investigation.