‘Threat or stunt?’ Eknath Shinde says will investigate Sanjay Raut’s threat to life claim

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Rajya Sabha MP has a habit of making thoughtless allegations, but the authorities concerned will still be asked to conduct a review.

A day after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged his life was under threat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the state police will look after his security.

Taking a dig at Raut, Shinde further said that the government will also order an investigation to find out if it is a "stunt".

"We will investigate the threat call to Sanjay Raut. We will also investigate if this is a stunt, the state police will take care of security," Shinde said, as quoted by ANI.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Rajya Sabha MP has a habit of making thoughtless allegations, but the authorities concerned will still be asked to conduct a review.

He said the Rajya Sabha MP is trying to seek sympathy.

"I think he is creating a sensation by levelling such allegations. He may think that he would get some sympathy out of it. But you do not get sympathy by making fake allegations," said Fadnavis.

Asked about providing extra protection to Raut, Fadnavis said, "As per Supreme Court directives, a committee has been formed to provide protection to certain leaders. The committee decides whether to provide or enhance protection to a particular leader. The chief secretary of the state is the head of this committee and the panel will take cognisance of the letter."

Fadnavis took a dig at Raut and said he makes allegations just for publicity.

"He made allegations about a Rs 2,000 crore (deal after last Friday's EC ruling on Shiv Sena name and poll symbol). He does not have a single piece of evidence to back his allegations.

"Earlier, we used to give answers to his allegations but now he makes mindless allegations and question remains what answer should be given to him," said the Deputy Chief Minister.

Sanjay Raut on Tuesday wrote to the police, alleging "threat to life" from Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's son, with an MLA from the ruling party calling it a "cheap stunt".

"Lok Sabha member Shrikant Shinde (Eknath Shinde's son) has given a 'supari' (contract) to kill me to a Thane-based criminal Raja Thakur. I have confirmed information regarding the same. I am informing you as a responsible citizen," Raut said in his letter.