Days after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a first information report (FIR) into the 2020 death of Disha Salian, former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, senior CBI officer Seema Pahuja is set to lead the investigation.
The FIR was registered following complaints submitted by Disha Salian’s father, Satish Salian. The complaints reportedly named Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, actor Dino Morea and others. However, no individual has been named as an accused in the FIR so far.
What Happened to Disha Salian?
Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai’s Malad area. Her death occurred just days before Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his residence in Bandra.
Initially, the case was recorded as an accidental death report (ADR). Following an inquiry, Mumbai Police had stated that Salian died by suicide.
However, her father later approached the Bombay High Court, alleging that his daughter had been gang-raped and murdered. The High Court subsequently directed the CBI to register an FIR and investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Who Is Seema Pahuja?
Seema Pahuja is currently posted as a Superintendent of Police in the CBI’s Special Crime Unit at the agency’s headquarters in New Delhi.
She will reportedly be assisted by other CBI officials, including investigating officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar.
Pahuja has experience handling complex criminal investigations, particularly cases involving sensitive allegations, sexual offences and forensic evidence. Over the years, she has been associated with several high-profile investigations.
Major Cases Investigated by Seema Pahuja
Seema Pahuja has been involved in the following investigations:
- Kolkata RG Kar Hospital case: She was part of the CBI team investigating the 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
- Hathras case: She was included in the 15-member CBI team formed to investigate the rape and murder of a young woman in Uttar Pradesh.
- Unnao rape case: Pahuja also played a role in the investigation into the Unnao rape case.
- Gudiya case: The CBI assigned her to investigate the infamous Gudiya rape and murder case in Himachal Pradesh.
- Shimla minor rape and murder case: She was also involved in the investigation into the rape and murder of a minor girl in Shimla.
In 2021, Pahuja received a Gold Medal for Best Investigating Officer in recognition of her investigative work.
What Does the CBI FIR Say?
The FIR reportedly includes sections related to:
- Criminal conspiracy
- Gang rape
- Murder
- Destruction of evidence
- Falsification of records by a public servant to protect alleged perpetrators
Despite the inclusion of these sections, the FIR does not name any person as an accused at this stage.
Officials said the case was registered in compliance with the Bombay High Court’s order. The process of recording statements and collecting evidence has now begun.
CBI to Question People Present at Party
A key focus of the investigation will be the events that took place on the night before Salian’s death.
According to officials, the CBI is expected to record statements from people who were present at a party held at the house of Salian’s fiancé, Rohan Roy, in Mumbai.
Investigators will examine the accounts of those present and attempt to establish a sequence of events by comparing their statements with available evidence. The agency will also investigate whether the circumstances surrounding the party have any connection to Salian’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and allegations mentioned in the complaint or FIR have not yet been established in court.
