Waze, who is currently in judicial custody in the Antilia explosives case, submitted a handwritten application before the court after learning about the newly registered CBI case through media reports. In his two-page plea, he pointed out that while his name has been mentioned in the FIR, he has not been formally named as an accused.

The former police officer has asked the court to hear his submissions before passing any order on his production if the CBI approaches the court seeking his custody or appearance in connection with the case.

Waze denies links to Salian family lawyer

In his application, Waze also referred to what he described as a "smear campaign" involving certain advocates and media organisations.

He specifically mentioned the lawyer representing Disha Salian's father, Satish Salian. Waze said he did not know anyone connected with the lawyer and denied any possibility of an "extra-judicial confession".

Through his application, Waze sought to place these claims on record before any potential request by the CBI for his production is considered.

His plea comes days after the investigating agency registered a fresh FIR following directions from the Bombay High Court.

Bombay High Court orders fresh probe

The Bombay High Court had directed the CBI to conduct a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Disha Salian's death and register an FIR.

The direction came after Satish Salian approached the court seeking a fresh investigation into the death of his daughter. The court directed the agency to examine all aspects of the case.

The High Court also clarified that no individual should be treated as an accused unless sufficient material emerges during the course of the investigation.

This distinction is significant in the current proceedings, as the fresh FIR refers to several individuals whose alleged roles may be examined by the CBI. Being mentioned in an FIR or investigation does not by itself establish criminal liability.

CBI registers fresh FIR

The CBI registered the FIR after recording Satish Salian's statement in connection with his plea for a fresh investigation.

According to reports, the FIR covers allegations including murder, gang rape and destruction of evidence. These remain allegations under investigation and have not been established by a court.

The FIR does not formally name anyone as an accused. However, its contents reportedly refer to several individuals whose roles the agency is expected to examine, including Aaditya Thackeray, Dino Morea and Rhea Chakraborty.

The investigation will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed against any person named or referred to in the case.

Disha Salian died in June 2020

Disha Salian, who worked as a celebrity manager and had been associated professionally with actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died after falling from a residential building in Mumbai on June 8, 2020.

Her death occurred just days before Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020. The proximity of the two deaths subsequently led to widespread public discussion and speculation over whether the incidents were connected.

The circumstances surrounding Salian's death have remained the subject of controversy, with her father subsequently seeking a fresh investigation through the Bombay High Court.

Waze is already in judicial custody

Waze is currently in judicial custody in connection with the Antilia explosives case. The former Mumbai police officer was dismissed from service following his arrest in the case and has also faced investigation in other cases.

His latest application is specifically aimed at ensuring that he gets an opportunity to make submissions before the special NIA court if the CBI seeks his production in the fresh Disha Salian case.

At present, there is no indication from the material provided that the CBI has formally sought Waze's custody in the matter.

Fresh investigation begins

The CBI probe follows the Bombay High Court's decision to revisit the circumstances surrounding Salian's death. The agency is expected to examine the earlier investigation as well as the allegations raised by her father.

The court's direction that individuals should not be treated as accused without sufficient material also places the focus on the evidence that emerges during the fresh investigation.

For Waze, the immediate issue is whether the CBI will seek his production before the special NIA court. If such a request is made, his application seeks an opportunity to present his position before the court decides on it.

The case is therefore likely to see further legal developments as the CBI proceeds with its investigation and examines the allegations surrounding Disha Salian's death.