Actor Sooraj Pancholi has once again addressed the controversy surrounding his name in the Disha Salian death case, saying he has spent years being linked to a matter with which he maintains he has no connection. In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Pancholi denied ever meeting Disha Salian or Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and said he remains willing to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.The actor also alleged that the online scrutiny surrounding the case had escalated into abuse and death threats. He said he wanted a transparent investigation and asked the authorities to make his exoneration equally clear if the probe finds no evidence connecting him to the case.
Sooraj Pancholi says he has ‘nothing to hide’
In his latest statement on his social media handle, Pancholi said he had never met Disha Salian or Aaditya Thackeray, either directly or indirectly.“I Have never met late Disha Salian or Aditya Thackeray ever in my life. Not directly. Not indirectly!” he wrote.Pancholi said his name had been repeatedly dragged into the matter over the years despite his denial of any connection to Salian or the circumstances surrounding her death. He added that the renewed attention came at a time when he was attempting to rebuild his career and personal life.“And now, when I am finally trying to rebuild my life, my career and my future, I refuse to stay silent and watch it happen all over again,” he wrote, adding that he had “nothing to hide or run away from”.The actor also said he was not seeking sympathy or asking people to take his side, but was instead calling for transparency and a fair investigation.
Sooraj Pancholi says he is ready to face any investigation
Pancholi reiterated that he had cooperated with authorities and remained prepared to answer questions as the CBI investigation progresses.“I have cooperated. I have answered questions. I have made myself available. I have said clearly that I am ready to face any investigation,” he said.He further stated that if investigators found evidence connecting him to the case, he would accept whatever punishment was determined under the law.“If there is even one small piece of evidence or any involvement connecting me to this matter, I am willing to face whatever punishment the law decides, without any questions,” Pancholi wrote.At the same time, he appealed to the investigating agencies and sections of the media to state clearly if the investigation establishes that he had no involvement.“But if the investigation by the investigating agencies establishes that I genuinely have nothing to do with it, then I request the investigating agencies and the so called ‘HONEST MEDIA’ to please say that loud and clearly,” he wrote.
Sooraj Pancholi alleges online abuse and death threats
Pancholi also spoke about the impact of the repeated allegations and online commentary surrounding his name. He alleged that the situation had gone beyond criticism and said he had received death threats.He criticised what he described as the manner in which sections of the media have covered the case, arguing that every report and allegation has consequences for the people involved.“This may be entertainment or a dinner time story for some people, but this is my life!” he wrote.Pancholi also alleged that some of the attempts to associate his name with the case were connected to issues involving members of his family. He said he had no personal issues with anyone and maintained that he had no political alliances or agenda.
Sooraj Pancholi wants to speak at length about the case
The actor said his latest statement did not contain everything he wanted to say. He explained that he wanted to publish it before his Instagram account was blocked, a development he said he did not understand. Pancholi added that he wanted an opportunity to speak to a journalist or interviewer who would ask him difficult and uncomfortable questions directly.“There is a lot I want to say. There are things I have stayed quiet about for years,” he wrote. “When I finally get the right opportunity, I will answer them. Every question. Directly. Honestly. Without fear.”He also said he wanted such a conversation to focus on facts rather than sensationalism.“When I speak, I want to speak properly with nothing held back and with the truth being given the space it deserves,” Pancholi added.
What happened in the Disha Salian death case?
Disha Salian, who had worked as a manager for late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died on June 8, 2020, after falling from a building in Mumbai’s Malad area. The Mumbai Police initially registered an accidental death report, and subsequent investigations had not established foul play. The case was later revisited following a petition by Salian’s father, Satish Salian.On September 2, 2026, the Bombay High Court directed the CBI to investigate the circumstances surrounding Salian’s death and ordered the agency to register an FIR and record her father’s statement. The court also made an important distinction regarding the status of people whose names had surfaced in allegations, stating that no individual should be treated as an accused unless sufficient material emerged during the investigation.The CBI subsequently registered an FIR on September 13. The FIR invoked provisions concerning criminal conspiracy, gang rape, murder, disappearance of evidence and alleged misconduct by public servants, but did not name any individual as an accused. Reports said the roles of several people were to be investigated as part of the probe.
Aaditya Thackeray also denies knowing Disha Salian
Aaditya Thackeray has separately denied ever meeting or knowing Salian. Following the CBI FIR, he described attempts to link him to the case as an “evidence-free” campaign and called the allegations an attempt at character assassination.