Amid Maha political crisis, ED summons Sena MP Sanjay Raut on 28 June in Patra Chawl land scam case

Mumbai: Amid political turmoil in the state, Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday issued summons to Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut asking him to appear before the agency on 28 June in connection with Patra Chawl land scam case. 

In 2007, Guruashish Constructions, a sister concern company of HDIL (Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd), was awarded contract for redevelopment of Patra Chawl by MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority).

Guruashish constructions had to develop flats for 672 tenants of Patra Chawl and about 3000 flats had to be handed over to MHADA. The total land parcel was of 47 acres and remaining land after handing over flats to MHADA and Patra Chawl tenants was to be allowed for sale and development by Guruashish constructions.

But, Guruashish constructions did not redevelop the Patra chawl or any other flats that had to be handed over to MHADA and sold land parcels and  floor space index (FSI) to around eight other builders for Rs 1,034 crores.

In March 2018, MHADA filed an FIR against Guruashish constructions. In February 2020 Pravin Raut was arrested by EOW, while Sarang Wadhawan was arrested by EOW in September same year. Pravin Raut was later released on bail.

The ED is probing a money laundering case against HDIL promoters Rakesh and Sarang Wadhawan. During investigation the ED traced certain transactions linked to Raut’s wife, Varsha. 

According to the agency, investigation conducted so far revealed that around Rs 100 crore were transferred from HDIL to the account of the arrested accused, Pravin Raut. 

The probe has revealed that during 2010 part of the alleged proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 83 lakhs was received by Varsha Raut, wife of Sanjay Raut directly/ indirectly from Madhuri, wife of Pravin Raut. 

This amount was allegedly utlised by Raut for purchase of a flat in Dadar. It is also revealed that after initiation of ED investigation the amount of Rs 55 Lakhs was transferred by Raut to Madhuri Raut. The ED has attached the flat and 8 land parcels in Alibaug, a getaway on the outskirts of Mumbai.

In February this year, Sanjay Raut wrote a letter to the Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu claiming that law enforcement agencies have been “let loose” against leaders of his party since it ended its alliance with the BJP....ED personnel were “leaving no stone unturned to intimidate/harass” Sena legislators, MPs and leaders, as well as their friends, relatives and acquaintances.

• #Sanjay Raut
• #Shiv Sena
• #Enforcement Directorate
• #HDIL
• #Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd
• #Guruashish Constructions