Patra Chawl Case Witness Claims Threats to Withdraw Statements Against MP Sanjay Raut

A witness in the Patra Chawl redevelopment project case, involving Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut, has alleged threats to change her statements. She addressed a letter on August 28 to Amit Dua, additional director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and shared it on X. "I have mentioned my plight to all the authorities in the country. No action was taken. No investigation done. No FIR, why? There will not be any point in giving justice after I am dead sic," she claimed.

Shiv Sena's Response

Reacting to the letter, a Shiv Sena leader stated that the issue would be brought to the attention of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Mumbai's police commissioner. Manisha Kayande from Shinde's faction expressed support for the witness, saying, "It is our responsibility to stand firmly behind her. The reasons why Sanjay Raut has not been summoned must come out."

Raut was arrested by the ED on August 1, 2022, in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Patra Chawl redevelopment project. He was granted bail on November 9, 2022. The special court questioned why the main accused, Rakesh and Sarang Wadhawan of HDIL, were not arrested by the ED.

Allegations Against Sanjay Raut

The woman witness had previously complained to Mumbai Police about receiving a threatening letter urging her not to testify in court. She stated, "I would like to bring it to your ED notice that the accused in the referred case and his touts/goons are constantly indulging in witness threatening/tampering with me and maybe with others as well."

In her letter, she also mentioned being pressured regarding land titles in Sanjay Raut's name. She urged the ED official to expedite the investigation into these threats and pressures.

The court's detailed order described Raut's arrest as "illegal" and a "witch-hunt." It noted that the ED's failure to arrest officials from MHADA and other departments was intended to send a message to then Union agriculture minister and Maharashtra chief minister.

Political Reactions

Kayande criticised Uddhav Thackeray for his silence on this issue. She remarked, "Even Uddhav Thackeray has not uttered a single word about this issue. It is Thackeray who politicises attacks on women and calls himself a civilised and cultured politician, which doesn't suit him."

The witness reiterated her concerns about ongoing threats and pressures related to her statements during investigations. She emphasised that no action had been taken despite her repeated complaints to various authorities.

The situation remains tense as political leaders weigh in on the allegations and call for further investigation into the threats against the witness.