Uddhav Thackeray Unleashes Sarcasm, Demands 'Why Not Name Modi, Trump?' in Disha Salian Probe

In a fiery display of indignation mixed with biting sarcasm, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray lashed out recently at the renewed Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of celebrity manager Disha Salian. Speaking to reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Shiv Sena (UBT) president didn't just criticize; he openly challenged the very premise of the investigation, asking, quite pointedly, "Why not also name Narendra Modi and Donald Trump?"

It's a stark illustration of just how much political heat this case continues to generate, even years after the initial tragic events. Disha Salian, you might recall, died by suicide on June 8, 2020, in Mumbai's Malad area. Her passing, sadly, preceded by just a week the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14, 2020. The two incidents, though initially treated separately, quickly became entangled in public discourse and, inevitably, in political debates.

The recent spark igniting Thackeray's fury was the Bombay High Court's directive on September 2, ordering a CBI investigation into Salian's death. This decision seems to have reignited old wounds and suspicions for the Thackeray family, who have consistently faced accusations and insinuations regarding the case. Uddhav Thackeray made it abundantly clear on Thursday, September 17, 2026, that he views this expanded probe not as a pursuit of justice, but as a politically charged assault.

"If the probe into Disha Salian's death can be reopened and expanded to such an extent, then why stop?" Thackeray questioned, his voice dripping with irony. "Let's just name Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump in it as well. Where does this end?" It was a direct, almost exasperated, jab at what he perceives as a politically motivated witch hunt targeting him and, more specifically, his son, Aaditya Thackeray, an MLA.

Thackeray has been unequivocal in his stance, asserting that his family has "no connection whatsoever" with the Disha Salian case. He's called the entire controversy a "politically motivated" attempt to malign his family's reputation, a form of "character assassination" that he's prepared to fight. In fact, he warned of taking legal action if these allegations persist, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to what he considers baseless smears. Aaditya Thackeray himself has previously denied knowing or even meeting Disha Salian, trying to put a stop to the relentless rumors.

The sentiment from the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp echoes his frustration. Senior leader Sanjay Raut, known for his vocal defense of the party, has previously thrown his weight behind the Thackeray family, dismissing the allegations as politically driven and aimed at destabilizing the opposition. It appears the party is united in its belief that this latest investigative push is less about uncovering new truths and more about settling political scores, keeping this contentious issue alive in the public eye and, by extension, in the political arena.