India / Shiv Sena Sanjay Raut accused ED agency running extortion racket story

Mumbai : Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), arrested in the Patra Chawl case, have a long history of charge-and-counter allegations. Earlier this year, Raut had alleged that some ED officials were running an 'extortion racket' in Mumbai. In this, help is being given from BJP leaders and some other people.

Based on these allegations, the Mumbai Police formed the SIT and later the Maharashtra Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered an FIR. However, the SIT was quashed after no evidence was found. The Bombay High Court has stayed the ACB probe and the matter will be heard after this month.

Shiv Sena worker had made serious allegations

During a press conference on March 8 this year, Raut had referred to a complaint filed by Arvind Bhosle with the Mumbai Police. Bhosale is a Shiv Sena worker who had leveled allegations against some ED officials and others including Jitu Navlani. Bhosale's complaint was handed over to the then Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey, who asked the SIT to probe it.

Seven companies mentioned in an eight-page letter

In the eight-page letter, Bhosale mentioned seven companies which he alleged were under Navlani's control. Bhosale claimed that Navlani was the key 'agent' of the ED. He said in the letter that Navlani has informed the ED officials about the financial activities of some people. Later, the ED will summon them on the pretext of investigating them under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

ED demanded a stay on the investigation

Regarding this, the ED approached the Bombay High Court bench and sought a stay on the investigation on the basis of the FIR against Navlani. The agency had also appealed to transfer the probe to the CBI. The ED's argument was that this FIR is malicious and openly investigating it will demoralize the officers. The High Court then put its investigation on hold and it is to be heard at the end of the month.