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Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 9:59:04 pm

Hidden Questions

For six years, the Disha Salian case has remained trapped in a fog of unanswered questions, disputed narratives and institutional inaction. It appears that the fog is now finally beginning to lift. The CBI’s recent FIR has brought into the investigation a startling array of names including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray, his father, Sena (UBT) chief and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Dino Morea, Sooraj Pancholi, Rhea Chakraborty, Sachin Vaze, Param Bir Singh, and...

Hidden Questions

For six years, the Disha Salian case has remained trapped in a fog of unanswered questions, disputed narratives and institutional inaction. It appears that the fog is now finally beginning to lift. The CBI’s recent FIR has brought into the investigation a startling array of names including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray, his father, Sena (UBT) chief and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Dino Morea, Sooraj Pancholi, Rhea Chakraborty, Sachin Vaze, Param Bir Singh, and former home minister Anil Deshmukh. The allegations being investigated include conspiracy, destruction or suppression of evidence and an alleged attempt to establish a false narrative around Salian’s death. For Aaditya and the MVA, the instinctive political response will be to dub the CBI’s fresh probe as ‘vendetta’ and portray the investigation as an assault on the Thackeray family. But such a response would evade the much larger question of why this case was allowed to remain where it was for so long? At the very least, the filing of the FIR against the Thackerays’ and others lays bare the failure on part of the erstwhile MVA government headed by Uddhav Thackeray to properly investigate the case. This aspect cannot be wished away now by invoking political persecution as the Bombay High Court’s intervention has itself exposed the extraordinary manner in which the matter was handled. For years, Salian’s death remained an accidental-death case rather than being subjected to the kind of criminal investigation demanded by the allegations surrounding it. Her family has repeatedly sought a CBI probe only to be rebuffed by the previous Maharashtra government headed by Uddhav Thackeray. If the Thackeray-led MVA government had nothing to fear, why was a transparent investigation not pursued with greater urgency? If there was no attempt to protect anyone, why were questions about the circumstances of Salian’s death allowed to accumulate rather than being conclusively answered? And if there was no political sensitivity involved, why did the machinery of government appear so reluctant to let an independent agency examine the matter? The more aggressively the Opposition cries “vendetta,” the more obvious another question becomes: what exactly is it afraid the investigation might uncover? Aaditya Thackeray’s political inheritance cannot become an institutional exemption. Being Balasaheb Thackeray’s grandson may provide a formidable political surname; it cannot provide immunity from scrutiny. The CBI must be allowed to pursue every lead, examine every witness, reconstruct every missing link and establish the truth as to what happened to Disha Salian. If the allegations against anyone are false, the investigation should establish that too. But if wrongdoing has occurred, then those responsible must face the consequences. After six years, neither political power nor a famous surname can be allowed to stand between the investigation and the truth.

Rain rave water music festival in Malaysia

Correspondent
Apr 22
2 min read

Authorities expect boost in visitors’ demand and support to local economy

Putrajaya: Kuala Lumpur is prepared to celebrate the World Labour Day Celebration cum Rain Rave Water Music Festival from April 30 to May 3 in Bukit Bintang. The festival presents an opportunity to welcome visitors from across the region and beyond to be part of a shared, cross-cultural experience in Malaysia.


In addition to the main event in Kuala Lumpur, seven states have also expressed their readiness to organise complementary related-themed activities, tailored to their respective local contexts and cultural elements. These include Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Melaka, Kedah, WP Labuan, Pahang and Terengganu, reflecting a broader nationwide participation in celebrating the occasion.


The event is co-organised by ‘Tourism Malaysia’ and ‘The Fame’ as part of the broader Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism ecosystem.


The Rain Rave Water Music Festival is positioned as a strategic urban tourism activation that reflects Malaysia’s multicultural society and promotes inclusivity, bringing together industry players, creative partners and commercial stakeholders, while driving visitor traffic and stimulating spending across retail, hospitality and services sectors.


Beyond entertainment, the festival integrates Malaysian multicultural elements, local creative talent and curated lifestyle experiences, reflecting the strength of Malaysia’s creative industry ecosystem while appealing to both domestic and international audiences. Visitors can expect immersive environments inspired by rain, a diverse lineup of international and regional DJs alongside Malaysian acts, as well as curated local market experiences featuring Malaysian food, culture and creative expressions.


Malaysian Identity

Rain Rave remains rooted in Malaysian identity with a contemporary approach that reflects both tradition and modern creativity. Inspired by rain as a vital natural element in Malaysia’s environment, the festival transforms this familiar element into a creative and cultural expression while showcasing Malaysia’s diverse cultural traditions, through traditional performances, food, and games.


Held in conjunction with Labour Day, the festival serves as a meaningful tribute to the contributions of all working communities and will be developed as a signature annual event, strengthening its role as a key highlight in Malaysia’s tourism calendar and positioning the country as a youthful and energetic destination.


The event is further supported by a network of public and private stakeholders. Cultural and content support is provided by agencies such as Istana Budaya, Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, the National Department for Culture and Arts and the Department of National Heritage, enhancing the overall visitor experience.


Comprehensive planning is in place, including traffic management, crowd control measures, safety protocols and coordination with enforcement agencies, to ensure a safe, orderly and well-managed environment for all visitors.

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