Thackerays Put Overseas Trip on Hold Amid Fresh Developments in Disha Salian Case
Mumbai: The ongoing investigation into the death of celebrity manager Disha Salian has added another layer to the political atmosphere in Maharashtra, with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his family reportedly deciding to put a planned overseas trip on hold.
According to a report in The New Indian Express, the decision was taken after advisers suggested that leaving the country at a time when the case was back in the spotlight could provide political opponents with an opportunity to raise questions. The report said Thackeray was advised to remain in India and respond to the allegations and political criticism surrounding the case.
The development comes after the Bombay High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register an FIR and conduct a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Disha Salian’s death. The court’s September 2 order directed the agency to appoint an investigating officer, record the statement of Salian’s father Satish Salian and investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
CBI investigation brings case back into focus
The CBI subsequently registered an FIR in September and began its investigation. The FIR contains allegations relating to criminal conspiracy, murder, gang rape, destruction of evidence and other offences. Importantly, reports have noted that the FIR itself does not establish any individual as guilty, and the Bombay High Court had specifically said that no person should be treated as an accused unless sufficient material emerges during the investigation.
The names of several public figures appear in material forming part of the FIR and their roles are to be examined as part of the investigation. Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray have been mentioned in reports on the case. Aaditya Thackeray has denied knowing or meeting Disha Salian and described the allegations against him as an attempt at character assassination.
The fresh investigation follows years of debate over the circumstances surrounding Salian’s death in 2020. The Bombay High Court, while ordering the CBI probe, pointed to several circumstances that it said warranted further investigation. The court also made clear that its observations at that stage were for deciding whether an FIR and fresh investigation were required, rather than findings of guilt.
Why the overseas trip was reportedly cancelled
Against this backdrop, advisers reportedly told Uddhav Thackeray that travelling abroad could become a political issue. The New Indian Express report said there were concerns that opponents could use his absence to intensify political allegations or create a narrative around the timing of his travel.
The report also said advisers were concerned about the possibility of a travel-related notice or political controversy emerging while Thackeray was overseas. As a result, the family reportedly decided to cancel the planned trip and remain in India while the political debate around the case continues.
The decision comes at a time when the case has once again attracted considerable political and media attention. The CBI is now tasked with examining the allegations and evidence independently as part of the fresh investigation.
Cabinet discussions around Pitru Paksha
The Mumbai Diary report also highlighted an unusual discussion during a recent Maharashtra Cabinet meeting, where some ministers reportedly spoke about the ongoing Pitru Paksha period.
Pitru Paksha, a period traditionally associated with remembering and performing rituals for ancestors, began on September 26 this year. According to the report, some ministers discussed the belief that major new ventures or significant purchases should be avoided during the period.
The discussion reportedly went beyond routine government matters, with ministers talking about traditional practices and rituals associated with the period. The report said some participants were of the view that major decisions during this period could have political or public-relations consequences for the government.
Such discussions reflect how cultural and religious considerations can sometimes enter political conversations, particularly when governments are deciding the timing of major announcements, events or initiatives.
NCP cancels workshop amid drought
The political diary also reported that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) cancelled a two-day workshop planned in Nashik. The workshop had reportedly been intended to discuss the party’s future strategy, organisational expansion and ways of strengthening its political base.
The decision was reportedly linked to the drought situation in the state. Party leaders were concerned that holding a political workshop while parts of Maharashtra were facing drought conditions could send an inappropriate public message.
However, the decision also reportedly triggered disagreement within the party. Some leaders questioned the connection between the drought and the proposed organisational meeting, arguing that there was nothing inherently inappropriate about bringing party leaders together.
They also suggested that the workshop could instead have been used to discuss the drought itself and explore possible measures to support affected communities.
The developments underline the political sensitivity surrounding public events in Maharashtra, where parties are balancing organisational activities with issues affecting people on the ground.
For the Thackerays, meanwhile, the Disha Salian case remains a significant political issue as the CBI investigation progresses. The agency’s findings will ultimately determine what the available evidence establishes, while the competing political claims surrounding the case continue to generate debate in Maharashtra.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
