Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena MP who had been arrested, claimed to a Mumbai court on Thursday that the Enforcement Directorate had held him in a room without a window or a ventilation system. The investigation agency, however, said that Mr. Raut remained in an air-conditioned hotel rather than detaining the Sena leader in an uncomfortable room.
Just after midnight on Monday, the Enforcement Directorate detained Mr. Raut in connection with alleged financial irregularities in the renovation of an ancient row tenement known as a shawl in suburban Goregaon.
The court questioned Mr. Raut on any complaints he may have had regarding the Enforcement Directorate during the hearing on Thursday. Mr. Raut retorted that although he had received good treatment, his apartment had no windows.
The court then asked the main investigation agency for an explanation.
Mr. Raut responded that he can’t utilise air conditioning because of his health problems when Enforcement Directorate attorney Hiten Venegaokar claimed that Mr. Raut was held in an air-conditioned room without a window.
The investigation agency informed the court that they will move Mr. Raut to a space with adequate ventilation.
It has been decided to keep him in the Enforcement Directorate’s custody until August 8.
Mr. Raut, a member of the Shiv Sena, which is led by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, has denied any wrongdoing and said he is being singled out because of political animus.
Varsha Raut, the wife of Mr. Raut, and two of his accomplices had their assets valued at over 11.15 crores attached by the Enforcement Directorate in April.
