Debate With Arnab: Sushant Singh Rajput-Disha Salian Case Back In Focus With CBI Probe

Watch Debate With Arnab LIVE as Republic examines the Bombay High Court’s major order directing a CBI investigation into the 2020 death of Disha Salian, who had worked as a celebrity manager and died six days before actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in Mumbai.

The Bombay High Court has directed the CBI to register an FIR, appoint a senior and experienced investigating officer, record Disha Salian’s father Satish Salian’s statement, and take custody of relevant case papers and material from Malvani Police. The court said that if a cognisable offence is found, the agency must proceed in accordance with law; otherwise, it must file the appropriate closure report before the competent court.

The court’s order reportedly notes questions about the timing of the spot panchnama and ADR, police presence reflected in CCTV footage, evidence handling, the delay in seizure of electronic devices, injury records, forensic material and other aspects of the earlier inquiry. These observations are the basis for further investigation—not a finding that any individual committed an offence.

The High Court has specifically said that no person is to be treated as an accused unless sufficient material emerges during the investigation. The order concerns the circumstances of Disha Salian’s death and does not establish a criminal connection between her death and Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.

Tonight, Arnab debates the court’s observations, the questions now before the CBI, the legal process ahead and why a fact-based investigation matters.