Patra Chawl Scam Case: ED Summons Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut Again For Questioning Today

A close assistant to former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Rajya Sabha MP Raut has denied involvement and labeled it a plot.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut.

The Enforcement Directorate has called Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut in for questioning in relation to a money laundering investigation today. He was most recently questioned on July 1 for almost 10 hours in relation to an alleged scheme involving the reconstruction of the Patra Chawl housing complex. In connection with the investigation, the Enforcement Directorate had seized Raut's family's assets in April.

A close assistant to former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Rajya Sabha MP Raut has denied involvement and labeled it a plot.

He has, however, stated that he will assist the probe. "The agency's job is to investigate. Our job is to cooperate in their investigation. I came because they called me today, and I will continue to cooperate with the ED," he had informed reporters on the last occasion.

Varsha Raut, Raut's wife, was also questioned in relation to the PMC bank scam. As part of this inquiry, the ED temporarily seized assets belonging to Raut's wife Varsha Raut and two of his acquaintances in April totaling more than 11.15 crore.

The Shiv Sena had asserted time and time again that the BJP, which controls the Centre, was engaging in "vendetta politics" in all of this.

The last time Raut came before the ED in the case, he had referred to himself as a "fearless" guy. “I'm a fearless person because I've never done anything wrong in my life. If at all this is political, we'll get to know that later. Right now, I feel I'm going to a neutral agency, and I trust them completely,” he had said.

"The importance of ED, CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) or the Income Tax Department is decreasing. Earlier, when this agency took any action, it seemed that there was something serious. But for the last few years, it seems action from this agency happens when a political party is taking out its anger," Raut had told reporters while exiting the ED office.

Eknath Shinde and other MLAs' recent revolt, according to Raut, was motivated by their concern of being singled out by the Central investigative authorities.

He once referred to the new state administration led by Eknath Shinde as the "ED government."

(With Inputs From Agencies)