Facing The Heat : Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut Detained By ED In Patra Chawl land Scam Case ; Defiant Raut Says Won’t Be Cowed Down

Picture : Twitter/ ANI

The Enforcement Directorate officials have seized Rs 11.50 lakh unaccounted cash from the residence of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, sources said.

Earlier in the day, the ED officials detained Raut in connection with the Patra Chawl land scam case after hours of conducting raids at his residence. ED sleuths reached Raut’s residence around 7 am on Sunday and conducted the raid, reported ANI.

Soon after the ED officials detained him in connection with the Patra Chawl land scam case, the Shiv Sena leader said that he “he won’t be cowed down”.

Speaking to mediapersons, Raut said, “False charges and documents are being framed against people. All of this is being done to weaken Shiv Sena and Maharashtra. Sanjay Raut won’t be cowed down. I will not leave the party.”

“They (ED) are going to arrest me. I am going to be arrested,” Raut told reporters outside the ED office after he was brought there from his Bhandup residence in Mumbai. “Zukega nahi (won’t bow down,” Raut said, putting up a brave front.

The ED action follows multiple summons issued by the agency against Raut, the latest being on July 27.

At around 7am, 20-22 officers arrived at Sanjay Raut’s residence with search warrants, but they did not find any document related to Patra Chawl case. Even if he gets arrested he’ll not bow down. No documents were seized, no questioning was done, Sunil Raut, Sanjay Raut’s brother Told ANI

We’ve accepted fresh summons, Sanjay Raut has been brought for questioning. They (ED) already took documents that they felt were important. Some property documents were seized. But, no documents related to Patra Chawl were taken by them, Vikrant Sabne, Sanjay Raut’s advocate told ANI

Reacting to the ED move, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray  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’ 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.