Aaditya Thackeray questions need to comment on HC‑mandated CBI probe into Disha Salian death

The Bombay High Court directed that the Central Bureau of Investigation take over the probe into the death of model Disha Salian, prompting a terse reaction from Maharashtra’s youth and sports minister, Aaditya Thackeray. In a brief statement, the minister asked, “Why should I even respond to this?” and added that the state government is cooperating with any legitimate investigation, Times of India reported.

Salian, a 27‑year‑old model from Mumbai, was found dead in her apartment in March 2022. The local police ruled the case a suicide, but her family disputed that conclusion, alleging that she had been threatened and that crucial evidence had been mishandled. Their demands for a CBI inquiry have been echoed by several opposition parties, who argue that a federal agency would ensure an impartial review.

The High Court’s order marks a rare escalation in a case that has lingered in the public eye for more than a year. In India, the CBI is typically called in when state investigations are deemed inadequate or when there are allegations of political interference. A transfer of the case to the central agency can also signal heightened scrutiny from the judiciary and may influence public perception of the state government’s handling of sensitive matters.

Aaditya Thackeray, who is the son of former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and a prominent figure in the Shiv Sena‑led coalition, has faced criticism from opposition legislators for what they describe as a lack of transparency. While he declined to elaborate on the court’s directive, his remark underscores the tension between state officials and the judiciary over jurisdictional authority.

The development arrives at a time when Maharashtra’s political landscape is under strain, with the coalition government navigating internal dissent and external pressure ahead of upcoming municipal elections. Should the CBI uncover new evidence, the case could have broader implications for law‑enforcement credibility and the handling of high‑profile deaths in the state.

For now, the CBI has not released a timetable for its investigation, and the family of Disha Salian continues to seek answers. The court’s order and Thackeray’s reaction keep the story in the national spotlight, highlighting ongoing debates about accountability, investigative independence, and the role of political heirs in Indian governance.