ED attaches assets linked to MP Raut, he says BJP targeting him

MUMBAI: Properties linked to Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut were attached by the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday in connection with the ₹1,034-crore Patra Chawl land scam case, the agency that investigates financial crimes said on Tuesday, prompting strong criticism by Maharashtra’s ruling alliance.

The properties include a Dadar apartment in the name of Raut’s wife Varsha, and eight land parcels at Kihim near Alibag, jointly held by Varsha and Swapna Patkar, wife of Sujit Patkar, an associate of the Sena MP.

Raut termed the action an attack on the “middle class Marathi manoos (man)” and asserted he will resist any action to pressure him.

He said he was being targeted by the BJP as he did not support efforts to bring down the MVA government in Maharashtra. “Your (the BJP) government could not be formed because of me. Now I am not supporting you in bringing down the government,” he said. “I will fight and expose everyone. The truth will prevail,” he said.

The ED also attached land parcels at Palghar, Saphale and Padgha village in Thane district belonging to Pravin Raut, former director of Guru Ashish Constructions, a subsidiary of Housing Development Infrastructure Ltd (HDIL). Raut was arrested in connection with the redevelopment case on February 2.

HDIL is under investigation by the ED and other agencies in connection with the ₹4,300 crore alleged fraud at the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank.

“The BJP government at the Centre is misusing its probe agencies to muzzle voices of its political opponents,” Maharashtra NCP chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said. “Whatever is happening is a part of political vendetta and not democratic,” minister Aaditya Thackeray was quoted by ANI as saying.