Defamation Case Against Uddhav Faction’s Sanjay Raut over Murder Conspiracy Allegation

Mumbai: A defamation case has been filed against Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction leader Sanjay Raut for falsely alleging a threat to his life from Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son.

Former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde lodged a complaint against the Rajya Sabha MP. Sanjay Raut has been charged under sections in the Indian Penal Code for defamation, false charges, promoting enmity, insulting for breach of peace, and for statements for public mischief.

Earlier Sanjay Raut complained to the police that Shrikant Shinde, the son of Eknath Shinde who also is a Lok Sabha MP, had given a contract to Thane-based Raja Thakur to kill him.

He made this written complaint to Thane Police Commissioner, and also sent a copy to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Eknath Shinde promised a probe into Sanjay Raut’s claim.

Sanjay Raut said the Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut was trying to seek sympathy by making “mindless allegations”.

The rival Shiv Sena factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde and are locked in legal battles over the control of the Shiv Sena. The EC has allotted the party name and ‘bow and arrow’ symbol to Shinde group, which has been challenged in SC by Uddhav faction.