Taking to his official Instagram handle to release a multi-page statement, the 35-year-old actor categorically rejected having any association with Salian or political leader Aaditya Thackeray, stating that his name is being "unfairly dragged" into a tragedy without any factual or evidentiary basis. Emphasizing that he had already submitted to formal questioning by central agencies and police several years ago, Pancholi asserted that he has "nothing to hide" and called for an inquiry into the "malicious propaganda" surrounding the high-profile case.
"Unfair and Extremely Upsetting": The Core Clarification
Pancholi—who previously weathered a decade-long legal battle in the Jiah Khan death case before securing an acquittal in April 2023—explained why he chose to break his silence rather than remain detached:
No Connection Direct or Indirect: “I have never met Late Disha Salian in my life, directly or indirectly. I have also never met Aaditya Thackeray in my life! It is honestly very unfair and extremely upsetting to see my name being dragged into something that I have absolutely nothing to do with, especially when there is no evidence or proof connecting me to this matter.”
The Decision to Speak Out: “I have stayed quiet for a long time because I did not want to keep responding to every report or every story written about me. But when the same thing keeps happening again and again, there comes a point where you have to speak for yourself.”
Cooperating with Agencies & Statement on Record
Addressing his procedural standing with investigative bodies, Pancholi highlighted that his statements are already part of existing law-enforcement archives:
Prior Questioning: The actor stated that both the Mumbai Police and central investigative authorities had examined him during earlier inquiries:
“Regarding this matter, I have already been investigated by the CBI/police and my statement was recorded by the agencies almost 4–5 years ago. I HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE!”
Readiness for Further Interrogation: Reaffirming his willingness to submit to the newly initiated probe, he added:
“If any investigating agency feels that they need to question me again or require any further information from me, I am completely willing to cooperate and make myself available for any investigation. All I am asking for is that the facts are checked before my name is dragged into something like this.”
Warning Against "Trial by Media": Reputations on the Line
In the second half of his address, Pancholi cautioned audiences and prime-time television channels against mistaking unverified claims for established guilt:
Headlines vs. Facts:
“Please don't believe everything you see on the news or on social media! A headline is not evidence. A debate is not evidence. Someone saying something on television does not make it a fact. Please verify things before forming an opinion about someone's life and character. Because behind every name being discussed on television is a real person, with a real family and a real life.”
Call to Probe Malicious Narratives: While lending full backing to uncovering the truth behind Disha Salian's demise, he demanded accountability for orchestrated smear campaigns:
“I strongly support a fair and thorough CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate demise of Late Disha Salian. At the same time, I also believe that there should be an investigation into the malicious propaganda and false narratives being created around this unfortunate incident, because someone's death should never become a reason to destroy another person's reputation without evidence... Let the facts speak. Let the investigation speak. Let the truth speak.”
Trade & Legal Verdict:
Sooraj Pancholi’s immediate and forceful intervention reflects the high personal stakes for public figures when legal controversies from 2020 are reopened. By putting his sworn non-acquaintance with both Disha Salian and Aaditya Thackeray on the public record and citing his prior recorded statements, Pancholi aims to draw a clear legal line between unsubstantiated social-media theories and actual judicial scrutiny as the CBI begins its court-mandated investigation.
