New Delhi: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut stated on Monday that he "won't go to Guwahati" after being summoned in a money laundering case related to a redevelopment project, implying that the investigating agencies' action against him can continue. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned the 60-year-old leader for interrogation on Tuesday.
"I won't be able to appear before ED on Tuesday as I have to attend a meeting in Alibaug," news agency PTI quoted Raut as saying on its official Twitter handle.
The summons comes amid a political turmoil in Maharashtra, where more than 40 MLAs are camped out in Guwahati with dissident minister Ekanth Shinde.
The Sena's senior leader has been harshly critical of the BJP. The investigating agency had attached immovable assets worth 11.15 crore to three persons in the redevelopment scam in April, including Raut's wife Varsha.
Taking to Twitter, Raut said, "I just came to know that the ED has summoned me. Good ! There are big political developments in Maharashtra. We, Balasaheb's Shivsainiks are fighting a big battle. This is a conspiracy to stop me. Even if you behead me, I won't take the Guwahati route. Arrest me! Jai Hind! (sic)."
Patra Chawl Land Scam
Previously, the ED had attached property worth Rs 9 crore associated with Sanjay Raut's 'aide' Pravin Raut and assets worth roughly Rs 2 crore associated with Sanjay Raut's wife Varsha in the Rs 1,034-crore Patra Chawl land fraud case.
The financial watchdog has filed a charge sheet against Pravin Raut in a money laundering case.
In February, ED officials investigating the Patra Chawl land fraud discovered that Pravin Raut had transferred Rs 55 lakh to Varsha from the profits of crime through his wife's account. The ED further stated that hotel accommodations and tickets for Sanjay Raut and those affiliated with him had been booked for local and foreign travel.
The news comes amid an ongoing political turmoil in Maharashtra, where Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde is staying at a hotel in Guwahati with dozens of MLAs.