Mumbai: Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane has demanded the arrest of former minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray in connection with the Disha Salian case. Rane questioned why Thackeray was being given special treatment despite serious allegations against him.
Rane referred to a Supreme Court ruling stating that whenever a rape allegation is made, a case must be registered first. He insisted that Aditya Thackeray, along with all those named in the case, should be arrested and investigated.
Disha Salian’s father has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court, alleging that his daughter was gang-raped and murdered. The petition also names Aditya Thackeray and former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar in the case.
Calling it a straightforward case, Rane said, “If Disha’s case was a suicide, why has there been so much secrecy and running around since June 8? Why is there an attempt to protect Aditya Thackeray? If he has nothing to hide, why is he avoiding the investigation?”
Rane further demanded that not only Aditya Thackeray but also actor Suraj Pancholi and Dino Morea should be questioned. He asserted that if they were innocent, the investigation would prove it, and critics would be silenced.
Addressing accusations from Sanjay Raut that the issue was being raised now for political reasons, Rane responded, “Disha’s father has no political agenda. He has moved court because he believes his daughter was murdered. There was tremendous pressure on him not to speak up. If there is nothing to hide, why did Kishori Pednekar visit their house?”
Rane insisted that all politicians should step aside and let justice be served, saying, “A young woman was gang-raped and killed. She deserves justice.”
