Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat Seen Smoking Beside Bag Full Of Cash In Viral Video After I-T Notice

A video showing Maharashtra Social Justice Minister and Shinde Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat sitting beside an open bag allegedly filled with cash has triggered a political stir in the state. The video surfaced a day after Shirsat reportedly received a notice from the Income Tax Department.

The footage, shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on social media platform X on Friday, shows Shirsat sitting in a bedroom, smoking a cigarette, with a bag full of cash lying open next to him. Another suitcase is visible nearby, and a pet dog can also be seen in the video.

"This thrilling video should be watched by the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah! What's going on in the country!" Raut wrote in Hindi, sharing the video and suggesting it should be reviewed at the highest levels.

When contacted by India Today TV, Shirsat claimed he was unaware of the money and called the clip a conspiracy. "I had just returned from a trip. I took off my clothes and sat in my bedroom. My pet dog was with me. Maybe someone shot the video at that time. I do not know about the money," he said. "If I had to keep so much money, I would have kept it in the cupboard. We do not have any Matoshree (Uddhav Thackeray's residence). They are deliberately creating a narrative," he added.

The development comes amid another controversy involving Shinde Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who was recently booked for allegedly assaulting a canteen worker over the quality of food served to him. While Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Gaikwad's actions, the opposition has demanded strict action against both Gaikwad and Shirsat.

As of now, no official inquiry has been announced regarding the viral video.