Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Gaikwad on Wednesday called for the resignation of Shiv Sena-UBT MLA Aditya Thackeray in connection with the controversial Disha Salian death case. Gaikwad’s demand followed a complaint filed by Disha Salian’s father with the Mumbai Police Commissioner, in which Thackeray, Bollywood actors Dino Morea and Suraj Pancholi, along with other figures, were named.
The controversy gained further traction as Shiv Sena leader Bhavana Gawli also raised the issue in the Legislative Council, demanding that Thackeray undergo a narco test related to the case. Gaikwad urged Thackeray to resign, calling on the state government to clarify its position on the matter. The issue sparked uproar in the Assembly, with Mahayuti legislators entering the Well of the House and reiterating calls for Thackeray’s resignation. Amid the disruption, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar adjourned the House for a brief 10-minute recess.
Once the session resumed, members from the treasury benches continued to demand action. Shiv Sena Minister Sambhuraj Desai addressed the House, reiterating that Disha Salian’s father had lodged a formal complaint with the Police Commissioner, naming Thackeray. Desai emphasized that the state government had been clear about not sparing anyone in the case, including in the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. Desai assured that the government would act based on the findings of the SIT and court orders once the investigation report was submitted. Following this clarification, the ruling alliance members withdrew their protests, allowing the House to resume normal proceedings.
The case, which has drawn significant media attention, continues to unfold with new developments. On Tuesday, lawyer Nilesh Ojha, representing Disha Salian’s father, confirmed that a formal complaint had been accepted by the Joint Commissioner of Police (crime), and the names of Thackeray, Morea, Pancholi, and others were included in the FIR. Ojha further alleged that former Mumbai police officer Parambir Singh was the mastermind behind the alleged cover-up in the case. Disha, a celebrity manager, was found dead on June 8, 2020, days before Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found hanging in his flat in suburban Bandra, Mumbai. Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court listed the writ petition and will hear the case of Disha Salian on April 2.