Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 22: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has sparked a political storm by alleging that over Rs 5.5 cr in cash was discovered at a government rest house in Dhule, supposedly meant to bribe members of the Maharashtra legislature's estimates committee.

The committee, led by Eknath Shinde faction MLA Arjun Khotkar, was on an inspection visit to review developmental works funded under the state budget. Raut claimed the massive cash stash was intended to influence the committee’s findings and suppress corruption details.

In a late-night post on X, Raut stated, “Rs 5.5 cr was kept in room number 102 of the Gulmohar Rest House in Dhule to bribe the legislature committee. Our MLA Anil Anna Gote and local party workers locked the room and waited for authorities for hours. No official responded.”

Raut demanded an investigation into who booked the room. MLA Gote alleged it was booked under the name of Khotkar's personal assistant, Kishore Patil.

Khotkar denied any involvement, saying, “I asked my PA, and he clarified that he booked a different room, not the one in question.”

Dhule SP Shrikant Dhivare confirmed that a probe is underway.

Reacting to the controversy, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis called the matter “serious” and assured that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would be formed to trace the origin and intended use of the seized cash.

“A cloud over a legislature committee cannot be tolerated. The dignity of the legislature must be upheld,” Fadnavis said, also suggesting the formation of an ethics committee by the Speaker and Council Chairperson to examine the matter independently.