Former Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray (Image: PTI) Aaditya Thackeray, former Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, on Wednesday strongly rejected claims over a fresh first information report (FIR) linking him to the 2020 death of celebrity manager Disha Salian, and termed the move a deliberate attempt at “character assassination” driven by political motives. Notably, this was Aaditya Thackeray's first reaction after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a fresh FIR on September 13 following the Bombay High Court’s ruling on September 2. The FIR, based on a complaint filed by Disha’s father, Satish Salian, claimed that she was gang raped, murdered, and that an elaborate effort was made to cover up the crime. Taking to X, Thackeray wrote, "Let’s cut through the noise and talk facts, once again: I have never met or known Disha Salian. Linking my name to this tragic case constantly is a deliberate, evidence-free attempt at character assassination by a few individuals with clear political and personal motives, for almost 6 years." "The relentless smear campaign run by vested interests without a single shred of evidence and truth is highly unfortunate. Loud TV debates and media trials do not change the facts," the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said, adding, "Let the official re-investigation proceed without malicious distractions and character assassination for political motives. A Special Investigation Team set up by the Eknath Shinde-led government in December 2023 also found no foul play in Disha’s death. However, the FIR, based on Disha's father Satish’s statement, alleged that Aaditya’s father, Uddhav Thackeray, the then Maharashtra Chief Minister, and others “played a significant role in the conspiracy and subsequent cover-up”. Mahima Joshi works as a Chief Copy Editor at Times Now and is part of the India and Breaking Desk. Covering national stories and bringing breaking new... View More