Sooraj Pancholi Says He ‘Never Met’ Disha Salian After CBI Names Him in FIR With Rhea Chakraborty and Others

Mumbai: Actor Sooraj Pancholi has denied having any connection with late celebrity manager Disha Salian, after his name appeared in the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) fresh FIR relating to her 2020 death.

Pancholi addressed the controversy in a detailed social media statement on September 15, saying he had never met Salian, either directly or indirectly, and had also never met Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. He said he was willing to cooperate with investigators but objected to his name being repeatedly linked to the case without what he described as evidence.

‘I have never met Disha Salian in my life’

In his statement, Pancholi said he had remained silent for years because he did not want to respond to every report or claim involving him.

However, after his name again appeared in connection with the renewed investigation, he said he felt compelled to clarify his position.

“I have never met Late Disha Salian in my life, directly or indirectly,” Pancholi said.

He also said he had never met Aaditya Thackeray and described the repeated association with the case as “very unfair and extremely upsetting.”

Pancholi further claimed that there was “no evidence or proof” connecting him to the matter and urged people to distinguish between allegations and established facts.

‘I have nothing to hide’

The actor said he had already been questioned by the CBI and police several years ago and that his statement was recorded around four to five years ago.

Pancholi said he would cooperate again if investigators wanted to question him or required additional information.

“I HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE!” he wrote, while expressing support for a fair and thorough CBI investigation into Salian's death.

He also appealed to the public not to treat headlines, television debates or social-media claims as proof.

What is the fresh CBI probe?

Disha Salian, who had worked as Sushant Singh Rajput's manager, died in Mumbai in June 2020 after falling from a residential building. Her death had initially been recorded as an Accidental Death Report (ADR).

The case was revived following a September 2 Bombay High Court order directing the CBI to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. The agency subsequently registered an FIR after recording a fresh statement from Salian's father, Satish Salian.

The FIR deals with allegations including gang rape, murder and destruction or suppression of evidence, among other offences. However, the Times of India reported that no individual has been formally named as an accused in the FIR itself; several people are mentioned as persons whose roles require investigation.

Rhea Chakraborty, Dino Morea and others mentioned

The FIR reportedly mentions several prominent names, including Aaditya Thackeray, Rhea Chakraborty, Dino Morea, Rohan Roy and Sooraj Pancholi, along with police officials and others.

The document, according to reports, says their roles and the circumstances surrounding the alleged conspiracy and subsequent handling of the case require investigation.

Importantly, being named or mentioned in an FIR or complaint does not by itself establish criminal guilt. The CBI investigation is at an early stage and is intended to determine the facts and establish whether the allegations are supported by evidence.

Pancholi asks for facts to be verified

Pancholi also criticised what he described as “malicious propaganda and false narratives” surrounding the case.

He said a person's death should not become a basis for damaging another person's reputation without evidence. He urged people to verify information before forming opinions about those named in the controversy.

The actor concluded his statement by saying he had faith in the law and investigating agencies and that he wanted the investigation to establish the truth.

Investigation now underway

The renewed CBI probe comes nearly six years after Salian's death and has once again brought the case into the national spotlight, particularly because of its proximity in time to Sushant Singh Rajput's death.

For now, the CBI investigation will determine whether the allegations contained in the complaint and FIR are supported by evidence. Pancholi, meanwhile, has publicly denied knowing Salian and said he is prepared to cooperate with investigators.