Sanjay Raut News Updates: Sena MP sent to ED custody till Aug 4; remand copy here

As troubles mount for Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut in the Patra Chawl scam, Republic TV accessed a letter from a witness who gave a statement against the Rajya Sabha MP in the case, on Monday. In the letter addressed to the Enforcement Directorate, which is investigating the case, the witness said that after she gave the statement to the agency on February 2, some people have been 'calling' her and 'asking to meet' her. She alleged that they were trying to convince her to give a statement to the media that 'the ED has forcefully' taken a statement from her.

"They are also asking for the details of the enquiry on February 16. Mr Bala Kadam and Sunil Raut met me between 3:45 to 4:00 pm at Durga Parmeshwari Restaurant in Matunga, Near Ruia College and asked me to give a statement in the media," the witness said in the letter, seeking 'appropriate action' in accordance with the law. 

BJP's Sambit Patra claimed that Sanjay Raut was involved in the Patra Chawl scam. Hitting out at the Opposition for alleging that the BJP was misusing the agencies, Patra said, "These people are trying to save him. They are backing the person who is involved in this scam. They do not want to understand the sorrow of 600 families This scam is of Rs 1000 crore. 

Bhai Jagtap, the Mumbai Congress President, denounced the arrest of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of working in a biased manner and against the opposition. He even said that whatever happened with Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi is now being done to Raut and asserted that the Sena leader will 'come out clean'.

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Sunil Raut speaks after his brother Sanjay Raut is sent to ED's custody, 'We have full faith that justice will be delivered."

"The only intention behind Sanjay Raut's arrest is that he was speaking against the BJP. They conducted searches. Yesterday ED officers took a few documents with them. We are sure he will be out soon," said Sunil Raut. 

Republic has accessed Sanjay Raut's remand copy: 

"Based on the investigation conducted so far and the materials in the shape of statements submissions made etc, the role of Shri Sanjay Raut appears to be crucial for investigation under the PMLA. It is also apparent that he is guilty of the offence of money-laundering as defined under Section 3 of the PMLA. Considering his non-cooperation, custodial interrogation is required for further investigation," the court order read. 

Sanjay Raut has been brought back to ED's office after he was remanded to the agency's custody till August 4.

Sanjay Raut has been sent to ED custody till August 4. The Court observed that "custodial interrogation of the accused is necessary as it can not be ignored considering the chargesheet that has been filed." 

The ED has agreed to not grill the Shiv Sena MP post 10.30 PM due to his heart condition. 

"Flat was benefited by wife of accused, total amount of 1.06 crores was integrated in the family. Accused cheated tenants and MHADA, sold FSI to the third party developers," the Court observed.

Sensational hearing in progress at Special PMLA court in Mumbai as ED seeks 8-day custody of Sanjay Raut and makes key submissions of Sanjay Raut's links to Pravin Raut. Standby for the order. 

"Complaints submitted to the court are old complaints. These things are being raked up because of change in atmosphere," claimed Sanjay Raut's lawyer. He also linked the arrest to the election dates of the President, Vice President, and legislative council. 

Citing the heart condition of Sanjay Raut, his lawyer stated that two applications will be submitted before the court. The ED has said that it has no objection to home food and medicines for the arrested Shiv Sena MP. 

The ED argued that in 2010-2011, Sanjay Raut received Rs 2 lakhs every month from Pravin Raut. "Pravin Raut sponsored Sanjay Raut and his family for a foreign tour. Pravin used to sponsor his family trips," said the ED.

"Pravin Raut received around Rs 112 crores from HDIL. Sanjay Raut’s name surfaced here when Rs 1.6 crores was transferred to Sanjay Raut", the ED alleged before the Mumbai Court. Tune in to watch the hearing here-  

In its arguments before the court, the ED alleged in a span of one year, Rs 1 crore was diverted into Sanjay Raut and Varsha Raut's accounts from prime accused Pravin Raut's firm. "Pravin Raut favoured Sanjay Raut to buy 10 plots in Alibaug. Pravin Raut is the frontman of Sanjay Raut," the ED alleged, seeking 8-day custody of the Sena MP. 

"Central agencies work after collecting evidence. I won’t be speaking more on it as the matter is in court now," Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis commented on Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's arrest.

Ex-Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray addressed the media on Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's arrest. Stressing that he is proud of Raut, he warned BJP that time changes for everyone. He said, "Sanjay is my old friend. I just met his relatives. What is his crime? He is a journalist and a Shiv Sainik". Drawing parallel with the situation during Hitler's rule, he accused BJP of trying to finish opposition parties. 

As per sources, an in-camera hearing will take place to ascertain whether Sanjay Raut will get bail, or go to ED custody or judicial custody. All reporters and lawyers not related to the case have not been allowed inside the courtroom. A ruckus took place outside the courtroom.

While senior advocate Ashok Mundargi will appear for Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut in the Sessions Court, lawyer Hiten Venegaonkar will appear on behalf of the ED.

Republic TV accessed the arrest memo of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut. It mentioned that Raut was arrested at 12.05 am on August 1 under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. He was informed of the grounds of arrest.

Here are visuals from Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray's meeting with the family of incarcerated MP Sanjay Raut.

Incarcerated Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has reached the Sessions Court. The hearing will begin shortly. 

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut left JJ Hospital after a medical check-up. He will be produced in court shortly.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray reached the residence of incarcerated MP Sanjay Raut to meet his family.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut will be produced before courtroom no.16 in a short while. 

Speaking to the media, Eknath Shinde camp spokesperson Deepak Kesarkar remarked, "It is good that he (Uddhav Thackeray) is visiting (Sanjay Raut's) house. You should go to a house of an oppressed leader. He should have gone to the house of Adsulkar, Bhawana Gawali and Yamini Jadhav. But he didn't go. He has to get out of his house and meet people after the change in Shiv Sena. This is a positive change. I welcome it."

Union MoS Ajay Mishra Teni slammed the opposition for politicising the arrest of Sanjay Raut. He said, "He is completely guilty. This investigation has been going on for a long time and there have been many actions and inquiries". He added, "I had seen a report in the newspaper that ED has attached properties worth more than 1 lakh crores in different cases over the years. Seizing so much property or cash is less"?

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut reached the JJ Hospital in Mumbai where he will undergo a medical check-up. 

Showing solidarity with Sanjay Raut, ex-Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray is likely to personally visit the Shiv Sena MP's residence and meet his family. 

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut left the ED office for a medical check-up. He will be produced before the PMLA court later. 

Amid ruckus in the Rajya Sabha over Sanjay Raut's arrest by the ED, Union Minister Piyush Goyal remarked, "We are lawmakers, not lawbreakers. Those who break the law face the consequences of the law. The government cannot interfere in the law enforcement agencies. They are doing their job." 

Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray batted for arrested Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut. 

Sanjay Raut's brother and Shiv Sena MLA Sunil Raut arrived at the ED office. Uddhav Thackeray's close aide will be produced before a PMLA court shortly.

Speaking exclusively to Republic TV, NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase remarked, "From day 1, we have been saying that Sanjay Raut and many other leaders who have been constantly opposing the BJP have been falsely implicated in fictitious charges. In the case of Raut, he had taken a loan of 55 lakhs from a gentleman. and he has mentioned the same in his affidavit, The loan was subsequently repaid too.  The money which stands in his record is shown as a loan in his election affidavit so where is the trail of illegitimate money." 

In a big charge, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said, "They have made ED a weapon to harass the opposition. Wherever they want to topple and destabilise governments in India, they put pressure on the government via ED and other central investigative agencies.  The entire game in Maharashtra was orchestrated by the ED. The ED threatened to arrest, and put pressure, MLAs rebelled and the government collapsed. Because Sanjay Raut was regularly talking on behalf of Shiv Sena, he was also on their target list. A person whose salary is Rs.1.5 lakh, Rs.11.5 lakh recovered from his house might also be savings". 

Congress will raise the issue of ED arrest of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, alleged misuse of Central investigation agencies by Centre and the suspension of its four Lok Sabha MPs from this session.

A meeting is expected to be held at Matoshree at 1 pm, after Sanjay Raut's arrest by ED. It will be chaired by Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray. 

Here are visuals from the residence of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, when he was taken to the ED office after being detained by the officials a day earlier.

They (BJP) want an 'Opposition-mukt' parliament, that's why the action against Sanjay Raut. We'll raise issues of inflation, Gujarat hooch tragedy in Parliament. 'Op Keechad' by them (BJP) in Jharkhand will also be raised today: LoP Rajya Sabha and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge commented. 

"The money has been accounted for as a loan in his election affidavit, so where is the question of illegal money? We are opposing Sanjay Raut's arrest in whichever way we can," NCP Spokesperson Mahesh Tapase tells Republic TV.

Backing incarcerated MP Sanjay Raut, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury remarked, "The only crime  Sanjay Raut has committed that he has not been cowered down by the politics of intimidation of the BJP party. He is a man of conviction and courage. We are with Sanjay Raut."

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi gives suspension of business notice in Rajya Sabha on "misuse of premier investigative agencies such as ED, CBI & IT by Central govt for political agendas & detaining opposition leaders through these agencies in a bid to silence them". 

"Sanjay Raut is involved in corruption and he should return the money of the poor," Independent MLA Ravi Rana said after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's arrest. 

Independent MP Kapil Sibal commented, "ED’s powers and reach of investigation,endorsed by a clearly flawed Supreme Court judgement, will be misused to topple elected governments and destroy our federal structure."

NCP workers will stage protests outside the ED office in support of incarcerated Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut at 10 am today. Raut is believed to share a good rapport with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. 

"Sanjay Raut's arrest shows the terrible reality in the country! A great warrior like Sanjay Raut is fighting, not bowing down. Aurangzeb was tired of such stubborn willpower. They will be tired too! This is how thousands of revolutionary leaders are made and will be created," Congress leader Sachin Sawant opined. 

Reacting to Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's arrest, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya said, "Sanjay Raut threatened several persons to send them in Jail And today???  He is sent to Jail by ED. Truth always wins!"

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut was arrested at midnight after over six hours of questioning in an alleged Patra Chawl land scam case. Raut, 60, has alleged he was being targeted by the Centre to weaken the Shiv Sena. Enforcement Directorate officials had conducted raids at Raut's 'Maitri' house in Mumbai for the most part of Sunday after he refused to appear for questioning despite being summoned twice.

The Rajya Sabha MP will be produced before a court in Mumbai later today, where the ED will seek his custody.

Soon after Raut's arrest, his brother Sunil Raut said, , "Sanjay Raut has been arrested. Sanjay Raut has been framed, he has no relation to the charges framed on him under which he is arrested. BJP is afraid of Sanjay Raut and that's why he is arrested. Sanjay Raut will not bow down, he will be with Shiv Sena till his last breath. Tomorrow at 11:30 AM he will be produced to the court.  They have framed him in order to silence his voice.  Cash seized was the party's money. The money is the balance of the Ayodhya tour where Eknath Shinde was also part. It's the remaining amount of the tour."

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Soon after Raut's arrest, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya said, "Sanjay Raut threatened several persons to send them in Jail . And today…???  He is sent to Jail by ED. Truth always wins!"

ED has arrested Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut for alleged 'non-cooperation', and after alleged 'unaccounted cash recovered'.

Sanjay Raut's younger brother Sunil Raut has arrived outside the Enforcement Directorate office in Mumbai where the agency is questioning the Rajya Sabha MP in a money laundering case linked to the Patra Chawl scam.

Senior officials arrive at Enforcement Directorate's office in Mumbai as Sanjay Raut faces grilling in the money laundering case linked to the Patra Chawl scam.

After recording the statement of Patra Chawl case witness Swapna Patkar, Vakola police registered an FIR against Sanjay Raut under section 509,506,504 of the IPC in the threat call case.

According to sources, more Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials are expected to enter the Mumbai office. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut is being quizzed in the money laundering case linked to the Patra Chawl scam.

"Whether ED has arrested Sanjay Raut or not, is still not clear. We will not bow down in front of ED or the government. We will keep fighting for Shiv Sena. We are proud of him (Sanjay Raut), he has full support from the people of Maharashtra," Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut said.

The TMC on Sunday described the Enforcement Directorate (ED) action on Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut as an attempt to stifle "opposition voices" by the ruling BJP at the Centre.

"This is an attempt to stifle opposition voices both inside and outside Parliament. Inside Parliament, you (BJP-led Centre) get opposition MPs suspended and outside, you use central agencies to threaten opposition leaders," the TMC MP Santanu Sen told reporters.

"The raid on Sanjay Raut's residence is a reflection of vendetta politics," Sen added. 

Patra Chawl case witness Swapna Patkar has reached the Vakola police station to record her statement in a complaint that was filed by her stating she was threatened to withdraw her statement before the agency against Sanjay Raut in the same case.

Police will also record her statement on a viral audio

In a major update, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that his close aide Sanjay Raut may get arrested by ED later today. 

As Sanjay Raut faces ED heat, Congress leader Gourav Vallabh targeted the Eknath Shinde-led NDA govt for misusing power and Central agencies, and stated, "The moment Eknath Shinde formed the govt, the central agencies raided Sanjay Raut's residence. This is sheer misuse of power and central agencies."

After ED recovered huge cash from Sanjay Raut's residence, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, "I already told you that don't join us out of fear of ED."

In a massive update, the ED has recovered a huge amount of cash from Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's residence. Cash of Rs 11.5 lakh has been seized from his house.

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Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's brother Sunil Raut claimed that Enforcement Directorate has found no new document during raids. "ED has papers which Sanjay had showed in Rajya Sabha," he said.

"They feel that Sanjay Raut will bow down now, but there is no question he will bow down," Sanjay Raut's brother Sunil Raut said. 

"Even if you hang, we will not leave Shiv Sena, will not leave Uddhav Thackeray," he added.

Sanjay Raut brought to ED office after multiple raids, to be grilled in Patra Chawl Land Scam case.

Sources privy to the development told Republic Media Network that Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut will be grilled at Enforcement Directorate office in Mumbai soon. Presently, he is en route to the ED office.

Amid Enforcement Directorate action in the money laundering case, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said he will not bow down.

Taking to Twitter, he said, "You can't beat that person. The one who never gives up! Won't bow down! Jai Maharashtra."

Two cars filled with piles of documents have reached Enforcement Directorate's office in Mumbai.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may arrest party leader Sanjay Raut, and alleged that the agency's ongoing action against him was part of a "conspiracy" to finish off the party. 

Thackeray was addressing the party leaders and workers from Thane district at his residence 'Matoshree' here on the day the ED is conducting searches at Raut's house in connection with a money laundering probe. 

"ED guests are at Sanjay Raut's house. He may get arrested. What conspiracy is this? Shiv Sena gives strength to Hindus and Marathi people and hence there is a conspiracy to finish off the party," he said, according to PTI.

Shiv Sena MP has left his residence after nearly nine hours of Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioning. There is no official confirmation about his arrest yet. He is being taken to ED office. 

MLA Ravi Rana speaking to Republic levels massive charges against Sanjay Raut amid ED action.

In a massive development, the Enforcement Directorate after conducting searches for more than seven hours at Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's residence is likely to take mega action against him soon, sources tell Republic TV.

He is detained in connection with a Rs 1034 crore land scam case linked to the redevelopment of the Patra Chawl and related transactions involving Raut's wife and associates. While businessman Pravin Raut was arrested in this case in February, the ED attached eight land parcels in Alibaug and a flat in Dadar linked to Sanjay Raut on April 5.

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After the ED searches for more than seven hours at Sanjay Raut's residence, the Shiv Sena MP is likely to be taken to the ED office today. 

The security has been beefed up outside Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's residence as Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been carrying out searches for more than eight hours. 

BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar on Sunday said that Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut should give up the drama that Enforcement Directorate is being using against him. He stated that ED is working on basis of proofs and witnesses.

The BJP MLA also claimed that no political party is interested in Sanjay Raut as he has always degraded parties. 

According to sources, lawyers of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut are pushing for next summon date in connection with a money laundering case which is being probed by Enforcement Directorate.

The ED on Sunday conducted a search at Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's residence after he skipped the two summonses citing his engagement with the ongoing Parliament session. 
 

After the Enforcement Directorate conducted mega raids at Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's 'Maitri' residence at Mumbai's Bhandup in connection with the Patra Chawl land scam case, independent MLA Ravi Rana accused the Sena leader of being "an agent" in the former MVA government.

Speaking to Republic, Ravi Rana said, "ED had called Sanjay Raut for investigation many times. And after investigation, a team of ED reached his house along with CISF personnel. ED is (conducting) an impartial investigation. Apart from the scam that happened in Patra Chawl, Sanjay Raut has many properties in Alibaug also. Being a journalist and collecting crores of money, he worked as an agent in the then MVA government."

"The investigation is underway. If Sanjay Raut hasn't done anything wrong, why is he scared? He was a big MVA leader. Just because one is scared of the ED, they shouldn't attack our party," said Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on ED raids on Sanjay Raut. 

On allegations that the ED is working at the behest of the BJP-led Centre, Shinde said, "ED has also conducted investigations earlier. If it works under the fear of the Central govt then the Supreme Court would take action on this. ED is doing their work."

As ED searches continue at Sanjay Raut's Bhandup and Dadar residences, sources have informed Republic that the Shiv Sena MP may be taken to the agency's office for questioning. Raut's lawyer is currently present at his residence. 

Six hours and on, ED raids continue at Sanjay Raut's residences in Dadar and Bhandup. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena workers are protesting against the ED action in the Patra Chawl land scam case.

The Mumbai Police will provide police security to Swapna Patkar, a witness in the Patra Chawl Scam case. In a complaint filed earlier, Swapna alleged that she received a threat letter pressuring her to withdraw her statement against Sanjay Raut in the case. An FIR will also be registered in the matter. 

A team of 12 Enforcement Directorate officials reached Sanjay Raut's 'Maitri' residence at Mumbai's Bhandup to conduct searches in connection with the Patra Chawl scam case. As per sources, the agency sleuths also questioned the Sena leader, who earlier skipped two summons in connection with the money laundering case.

ED officials have reached Sanjay Raut’s property in Dadar, which has already been attached by the agency in the money laundering case. "It is alleged that Rs 83 lakh which was part of the proceeds of crime transferred to Sanjay Raut’s wife Varsha Raut who used the money to buy a flat in Dadar."

Former Deputy CM and senior NCP Leader Ajit Pawar has in a way justified the ED action against Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, saying that all investigative agencies like ED, CBI, and IT hold the power to probe any individual.

"Why ED is repeatedly probing Sanjay Raut that only Raut can answer," Pawar told reporters, hinting at a divide in the Maha Vikas Aghadi over the raids against Raut. 

As mega ED raids are underway at the residence of Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut in connection with the Patra Chawl scam case, the leader remained defiant on Sunday, maintaining that he has "nothing to do with the scam and will not surrender" to the agency's pressure.

"I still won't quit Shiv Sena... Even if I die, I will not surrender. Maharashtra and Shiv Sena will continue to fight." These were the first among a few tweets posted by the Rajya Sabha MP as ED raided his Mumbai house on Sunday morning.

In a subsequent tweet, Raut alleged that false action was being taken against him and swore on late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray that he had no relation with the Rs.1,034 crore land scam. 

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's 'Mafiagiri' and 'Corruption' has been exposed and he will be held accountable for all the wrongdoings he committed during MVA government rule, said BJP on Sunday after ED conducted searches at Raut's residence. 

"As we know that ED summoned Raut and asked him to appear in their office two days ago. When the Shiv Sena leader has not committed anything wrong as he claims then why he has been avoiding ED summons? It is evident that he wants to hide something. ED, Income tax, or CBI departments do not take action overnight," said BJP MLA Ram Kadam.