Following the Mumbai Police SIT’s report submitted to the Bombay High Court, which ruled out any foul play in the death of Disha Salian, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack on BJP leaders, demanding a public apology for what he described as a politically motivated smear campaign against Aaditya Thackeray.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed under court directives, concluded after months of investigation that there was no evidence suggesting murder or conspiracy in the death of Salian, a former celebrity manager who died in June 2020. The report effectively clears Aaditya Thackeray, whose name had repeatedly surfaced in political allegations without substantiated evidence.

Speaking to the media, Raut said, “Now that the SIT has ruled out foul play, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis must apologise to Aaditya Thackeray. Narayan Rane's son Nitish Rane, CM Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and all BJP leaders who tried to malign Aaditya’s image should apologise publicly.”

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader accused the BJP and its allies of misusing the tragedy for political gain during the 2020–2022 power tussle in Maharashtra. Raut further alleged that the repeated attempts to link Thackeray to the case were a deliberate effort to tarnish the young leader's public image.