Actor Sooraj Pancholi clarified that he has never met Disha Salian or Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, following the recent renewed inquiry into her death. Addressing his connection to the Sooraj Pancholi Disha Salian case, the actor emphasized that he has always been fully cooperative with investigating agencies in the past. He added that he remains ready to cooperate with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) again if the need arises.
What did Sooraj Pancholi say about the Disha Salian case?
The association of Sooraj Pancholi with either Disha Salian or Aaditya Thackeray has categorically been denied by Sooraj himself.
While making a statement on the social networking site, Sooraj stated that he has never seen Disha Salian or Aaditya Thackeray neither directly nor indirectly. He also said that he was shocked with this connection and that no news article or television debate can be used as evidence.
It is important to note at this stage that Sooraj has previously been interrogated by the investigating agency and would cooperate with CBI or any other agency, if needed.
Key takeaways
- Sooraj Pancholi denies ever meeting Disha Salian.
- He also denies ever meeting Aaditya Thackeray.
- Pancholi says he has previously cooperated with investigating agencies.
- He has indicated that he is willing to cooperate with the CBI if required.
- He has urged the public to distinguish allegations and media claims from evidence.
- The CBI investigation into Disha Salian’s death is ongoing.
- The Bombay High Court has directed that the investigation determine the facts and that no person be treated as an accused without sufficient grounds.
Sooraj Pancholi Disha Salian Case: Did They Ever Meet?
According to Pancholi’s own statement, no. He said he had never met Disha Salian “directly or indirectly.”
This is Pancholi’s stated position and should be presented as such. Whether any person’s claims are ultimately supported or contradicted by evidence is a matter for the ongoing investigation.
Did Sooraj Pancholi meet Aaditya Thackeray?
Pancholi has further stated that he has never met Aaditya Thackeray.
This was after the renewed interest in the case of Disha Salian and in the reports regarding persons who have had their names associated with the case.
It is important to note that the mention of someone’s name in news and accusations does not necessarily mean that such a person has committed a crime. This is because the Bombay High Court ruled in its order of September 2 that no one can be considered an accused unless there are reasonable grounds to suspect such a person based on the information collected during the investigation.
Why has the Disha Salian case been reopened?
Disha Salian, who had been working as a celebrity manager and had professional associations with the actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died in Mumbai on 8th June 2020.
In the first police investigation, the death of Disha Salian was considered to be accidental in nature. But later, the father of Disha Salian, Satish Salian, filed a petition in the Bombay High Court requesting investigation into this case of death.
On 2nd September 2026, the Bombay High Court held that there are sufficient grounds for the investigation of a cognizable offence and directed the CBI to appoint an experienced investigator, file FIR and investigate in the case of her death.
However, one important condition that the Bombay High Court put forth is that no individual shall be treated as accused unless there are sufficient grounds to raise a reasonable suspicion against him/her in the hand of the investigating officer.
What did the Bombay High Court say about the investigation?
The High Court’s order is important because it provides the legal context behind the renewed investigation.
The court said the earlier investigation contained significant discrepancies and concluded that a proper substantive investigation was necessary. It directed the CBI to investigate all aspects surrounding the circumstances of Salian’s death.
At the same time, the court explicitly avoided making findings against particular individuals. It left questions of individual responsibility to the investigating agency.
The court also stated that the CBI would have the option to add or delete offences depending on what the investigation reveals. If the investigation finds that no offence was made out, the agency could file an appropriate summary before the competent court.
What is Sooraj Pancholi’s position?
The position of Pancholi can be outlined in three aspects:
First, he denies that he knew Disha Salian or met her.
Second, he claims that he never met Aaditya Thackeray.
Finally, he admits his willingness to cooperate with investigators and let the evidence decide on the truth.
Additionally, Pancholi protested against his inclusion in the case without any proof of his involvement.
This point should be particularly noted as in the developing criminal investigation news discussion, allegation mentioning, questioning and accusation do not mean the same thing legally.
What is confirmed about the CBI investigation?
The Bombay High Court’s September 2, 2026 order provides the clearest primary-source account of the investigation’s legal status.
The court ordered the CBI to appoint an investigating officer and register an FIR concerning the circumstances surrounding Disha Salian’s death. It further directed that the investigation be conducted under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The court’s order also makes clear that the investigation should be allowed to establish the facts without treating individuals as accused prematurely.
What is known vs. what remains under investigation?
| Question | Current position |
| Did Pancholi say he knew Disha Salian? | No. He says he never met her. |
| Did Pancholi say he met Aaditya Thackeray? | No. He says he never met him. |
| Is there a fresh CBI investigation? | Yes. The Bombay High Court directed the CBI to investigate. |
| Has the investigation established criminal responsibility? | No conclusion should be drawn before the investigation establishes the facts. |
| Did the High Court find Pancholi guilty of anything? | No. The court expressly left individual responsibility to the investigation. |
| Is the investigation complete? | No. It is an ongoing investigation. |
How is the Disha Salian case connected to Sushant Singh Rajput?
Disha Salian was an entertainment professional who worked as a manager and was professionally associated with Sushant Singh Rajput.
She passed away on June 8, 2020, while Sushant Singh Rajput died six days later. Because of this proximity in time, the two cases have frequently been discussed together.
Nevertheless, just the fact that the two cases are connected through time is not sufficient proof of any connection between them in terms of causality or crime.
Such a connection should be proved using the evidence and findings of the investigation.
Why is Sooraj Pancholi’s statement significant?
Pancholi’s statement is significant because it directly addresses his reported association with the case at a time when public interest has intensified following the renewed investigation.
Rather than accepting online claims as established facts, readers should distinguish between:
- statements made by individuals;
- claims made by lawyers or other parties;
- media reports;
- information contained in court records;
- evidence gathered by investigators; and
- findings ultimately established through the legal process.
This distinction is especially important in high-profile cases where social-media speculation can spread faster than verified information.
What happens next in the Disha Salian investigation?
The CBI investigation will determine what evidence exists concerning the circumstances of Disha Salian’s death.
Under the Bombay High Court’s order, investigators have broad scope to examine the circumstances surrounding the death and determine whether an offence has been made out. The agency may add or alter applicable offences depending on what the investigation reveals.
The investigation could therefore produce additional statements, forensic findings, documentary evidence or other material before any final conclusions are reached.
For now, claims involving individual people should be treated as allegations or statements unless they are supported by verified evidence and formal findings.
The key takeaway
Sooraj Pancholi says he never met Disha Salian or Aaditya Thackeray and has offered to cooperate with investigators. The Bombay High Court has ordered a CBI investigation into the circumstances of Salian’s death, but the investigation itself must determine what the evidence establishes.
The most important distinction is between being named or mentioned in connection with an investigation and being found responsible for an offence. The latter requires evidence and due legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Sooraj Pancholi know Disha Salian?
Sooraj Pancholi says he did not. In his public statement, he said he had never met Disha Salian, directly or indirectly.
Did Sooraj Pancholi meet Aaditya Thackeray?
Pancholi has denied ever meeting Aaditya Thackeray. He made the statement while responding to reports linking his name to the Disha Salian investigation.
Is Sooraj Pancholi accused in the Disha Salian case?
The legal position should not be inferred simply from media reports or allegations. The Bombay High Court ordered that nobody should be treated as an accused unless the CBI investigation finds sufficient grounds for reasonable suspicion based on the evidence collected.
Why is the CBI investigating Disha Salian’s death?
The Bombay High Court directed a substantive CBI investigation after considering concerns about the earlier investigation and finding that the circumstances required further investigation.
When did Disha Salian die?
Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, in Mumbai.
Was Disha Salian connected to Sushant Singh Rajput?
Yes. Salian had worked as a manager in the entertainment industry and had a professional association with Sushant Singh Rajput.
Has the CBI completed its investigation?
No. The CBI investigation is ongoing, and its findings will determine what the available evidence establishes.
What did the Bombay High Court say about individuals in the case?
The court said nobody should be treated as an accused unless the investigating officer finds sufficient grounds for reasonable suspicion based on the material collected during the investigation.
What did Sooraj Pancholi ask the public to do?
Pancholi urged people not to treat headlines, television debates or social-media claims as evidence. He said he had faith in the legal process and was willing to cooperate with investigators.
