Sanjay Raut writes to RS chairman, claiming that the ED has been harassing him and his family after he declined to help remove the MVA government

In a letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut made dramatic claims, claiming that he was approached by "some people" who wanted him to help overthrow the Maharashtra administration so that the state could be pushed into mid-term elections. He declared that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, led by the Shiv Sena, will complete its five-year term and that he would remain unbowed and continue to speak the truth. He stated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other Central agencies were being utilized to overthrow democratically elected governments with an "oblique agenda."

 

He called the letter a "trailer" and promised to reveal how some ED officials were allegedly running a "criminal enterprise for the BJP." Raut, whose close buddy Pravin Raut was detained by the ED last week in connection with a Rs 1,034 crore FSI fraud, claimed that the agency has harassed him and his family after he refused to help overthrow Maharashtra's government. He said that officials from the ED and other investigating agencies had been "reduced to becoming puppets of their political masters," and that some have even admitted to being "requested by their 'bosses' to 'fix' me."

 

After the Shiv Sena formed the (MVA) government in Maharashtra with the NCP and Congress, severing ties with its former ally, the BJP, Raut said that central agencies like the ED were "systematically targeting" Shiv Sena officials. He urged Naidu to take notice of the "abuse of authority" and alleged harassment of Rajya Sabha members, and said the vice president should also speak out and take action. He put on a strong face, declaring that he was "not terrified" and that he would continue to speak the truth both inside and outside the house.

 

He claimed that the ED threatened persons who sold land to him and his family 17 years ago and in 2012-13, pressuring them to make allegations against him. He said that the decorators and other vendors hired for his daughter's wedding were also being "intimidated and pressured" into making assertions that he had given them Rs 50 lakh in cash.

 

So far, he claims, the ED and other agencies have illegally detained 28 persons in these links. "I wish to emphasize, with all due humility, that I am not afraid, that I am not going to bow down, and that I will continue to tell the truth, both inside and outside the house," he continued.

 

 

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