Day After Tax Notice, Maharashtra Minister Seen With Bag Allegedly Full Of Cash

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat has sparked a row after a video surfaced online allegedly showing him smoking in a private room with a bag suspected to be filled with cash beside him. The footage went viral just a day after he confirmed receiving an income tax notice to explain a sharp increase in his assets between the 2019 and 2024 Assembly elections.

The video was posted on social media by Sanjay Raut of the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) faction. In a pointed attack on the ruling alliance, Mr Raut wrote, "I feel pity for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis! How many more times will he just sit and watch his reputation being torn to shreds? Helplessness has another name - Fadnavis!"

Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat contended that the bag next to his bed contained clothes and not cash as claimed by Mr Raut. 

Mr Shirsat, who represents Aurangabad (West) and belongs to the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, confirmed that the Income Tax Department had issued him a notice seeking clarification on the growth of his personal assets over the past five years.

"Some people had filed a complaint against me with the income-tax department, based on which I was issued a notice. I was supposed to respond to it on Wednesday, but requested for more time. I will give a proper response. Nothing wrong has been done," Mr Shirsat said.

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