Sanjay Raut’s family was seen breaking down on camera on Sunday as the Shiv Sena MP was sent to the Enforcement Directorate office in Mumbai after being detained by the federal agency. The ED, probing the money laundering case, searched Raut’s residence in suburban Bhandup for nine hours on Sunday and questioned him before shifting him to the agency’s office in south Mumbai in the evening.
While leaving the house, Raut was seen hugging and comforting his mother. Outside his house, Shiv Sena supporters carrying saffron flags and banners raised slogans against the ED when the officers came out with Raut.
army personnel Tried to block the way of ED vehicles but local police removed themSome of the protesters were tied up in a police van, an official said. Enforcement Directorate officials on Sunday seized unaccounted cash worth Rs 11.50 lakh from Raut’s residence.
Before leaving with the ED officials, Raut descended at the gate of his house, shook the hands of the supporters and showed the saffron dupatta.
Policemen and CRPF personnel were deployed near Raut’s residence along with senior Mumbai Police officials, the official said.
Sanjay Raut case: All that happened today
After the ED proceedings began in the morning, Raut tweeted that he will die, but will not surrender and will never leave Shiv Sena. At 7 am on Sunday, ED officials along with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel reached Raut’s ‘Maitri’ bungalow and started a search.
The action takes place after two summons Issued against Raut by ED, latest issued on July 27,
Raut was summoned by the ED for questioning in a money laundering case related to the redevelopment of a ‘chawl’ in Mumbai and alleged irregularities in transactions involving his wife and ‘accomplices’.
His younger brother Sunil Raut, an MLA, was seen arguing with the police over the ED’s action. “We are with Shiv Sena for last 30 years. Sanjay Raut is our leader and we stand with him. It seems that ED has evidence only against Shiv Sena leaders and not against any other political party. I want to know Whether BJP leaders have no assets?” asked a woman Shiv Sainik standing outside Raut’s bungalow.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that if Raut is innocent then he should not be afraid of ED’s action against him. “Raut has declared that he has not done anything wrong. If so, why fear the investigation? Let it happen. If you are innocent then why fear?” He told reporters in Aurangabad.
Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra also said that Raut should not be afraid of ED action if he has not done anything wrong. Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly, Ajit Pawar wondered why the ED wanted to probe Raut again and again, though several people were served notices by the Income Tax Department, CBI and ED.
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