Malegaon (Maharashtra) court on Saturday granted bail to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut in a defamation case filed by state PWD and Nashik guardian minister Dada Bhuse.
The Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member was personally present during the court proceedings.
The court, while approving Raut’s bail, scheduled the next hearing for February 3, 2024.
Raut has leveled accusations against Bhuse, alleging corruption amounting to Rs 178 crore in the Girna co-operative sugar factory situated in Malegaon, Nashik district. This accusation prompted Bhuse to file a defamation case against Raut.
Following the grant of bail, Raut expressed criticism of Bhuse outside the Malegaon court.
“According to the Constitution, I have the right to label a thief as a thief. The defamation case has been initiated against me for questioning a minister about the use of money. There is nothing wrong in seeking details of financial transactions or fund utilization. Bhuse should disclose the information. I will not yield under any circumstances, and there will be no compromise over corruption,” Raut stated.
When asked about Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s recent remarks regarding the power struggle within the Sharad Pawar-founded NCP, Raut commented, “What Ajit Dada says is scripted. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dictates Ajit Pawar’s statements.”
