Actor Sooraj Pancholi has addressed the renewed attention around his name in the Disha Salian death case, saying he has never met Salian or Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.

In a statement shared on social media, Pancholi said his name had repeatedly been linked to matters he claimed he had no connection with. He also said he had faced online abuse and received death threats following the renewed discussion around the case.

“I have never met late Disha Salian or Aditya Thackeray in my life,” Pancholi said, adding that he had no personal or political association with anyone involved in the matter.

The actor said he wanted an opportunity to address the questions surrounding his name directly. He said he would speak openly when he gets a platform with a journalist or interviewer willing to ask him difficult questions.

Pancholi also urged the investigating agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into Salian’s death. He said he had no political agenda and was not interested in protecting or targeting anyone.

The actor’s comments come after the Central Bureau of Investigation registered an FIR into Salian’s death following a direction from the Bombay High Court. Salian, who had worked as a manager for late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died in June 2020.

The FIR names several people, including Pancholi, Aaditya Thackeray, Rohan Roy and Rhea Chakraborty, for investigation. Being named in the FIR does not by itself establish wrongdoing.

Thackeray has also denied knowing or meeting Salian and has rejected the allegations linking him to her death.

Pancholi’s latest statement comes as the CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding Salian’s death gets underway.