Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Bombay High Court on Friday questioned the state authorities over alleged discrepancies in the investigation into the death of Disha Salian, while hearing a petition filed by her father, Satish Salian, seeking a fresh probe.
Satish Salian has alleged in his petition that his daughter, a former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, was gang-raped and murdered. He approached the High Court seeking an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
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During the hearing, the bench raised sharp questions regarding the medical findings and the circumstances of the alleged fall. The court questioned how Disha could have suffered no facial fractures or bleeding from her nose and other areas if she had fallen face-first from a significant height.
The bench also questioned whether it was scientifically plausible that such an impact could result only in broken teeth without other serious facial injuries.
The court further observed that it was the primary responsibility of the police to provide the post-mortem report and updates on the investigation to the family, irrespective of whether a formal request had been made. The bench noted that the authorities had failed to effectively discharge this responsibility.
Special Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray referred to statements from several key witnesses, including Satish Salian. According to the prosecution, in a statement recorded in January 2024, Satish Salian had speculated that financial distress could have led his daughter to take her own life.
When questioned about alleged links between Disha and prominent political figures or celebrities, Satish Salian reportedly said he recognised them as public figures but had no personal contact with them and no knowledge of his daughter being in touch with them. His wife, Vasanti Salian, expressed similar views, the prosecution said.
The prosecution also referred to the statement of Rohan Rai, Disha’s boyfriend, and presented its account of the events leading up to her death. According to his statement, Disha was under severe stress, had consumed alcohol and had gone to stay with him following a disagreement with her father.
Referring to the official medical findings, the prosecution said the post-mortem conducted by Dr Jadhav found no evidence of sexual assault. It argued that the allegations made in the petition lacked substance and sought its dismissal.
Advocate Sudip Pasbola, appearing for politician Aaditya Thackeray, strongly opposed the maintainability of the petition, arguing that the case was based on hearsay, rumours and political hostility rather than verifiable evidence.
Pasbola said that when Rashid Khan Pathan initially filed a complaint in connection with the case, Disha’s family had not raised any suspicions or grievances. He alleged that sensationalised media reports, unverified social media claims and allegations made by certain politicians and television anchors had fuelled the controversy.
“While we hold total empathy for Disha’s father in his loss, the ongoing political exploitation of a tragic death must come to an end,” Pasbola argued before the court.
He further contended that the family had initially neither sought the post-mortem report nor raised doubts about the circumstances of Disha’s death. However, the court observed that the responsibility to provide the report rested with the police regardless of whether the family had formally requested it.
The hearing focused on questions surrounding the medical evidence, the police investigation and the basis of the allegations, with the prosecution and other parties presenting sharply differing arguments before the Bombay High Court.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
