Raut alleges bid to bribe Maha panel, SIT probe ordered

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has alleged that his party’s workers foiled an attempt to ‘bribe’ the state legislature’s Estimates Committee during their visit to Dhule district, prompting Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to order probe by a special team.

In a post on X, Raut alleged more than Rs 5 crore in cash was found in a room at the government rest house in Dhule city. “It was meant for giving bribe to the committee… Despite informing the DC, SP and Anti-Corruption Bureau, no one has come even after four to five hours,” he alleged.

Committee chairman Arjun Khotkar rubbished allegations linking the episode to his personal assistant. Khotkar is an MLA of the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

CM Devendra Fadnavis said it was a serious incident. “The truth must come out. An SIT (special investigation team) will be formed to ascertain the truth,” he said.

India