BJP seeks Nawab Malik's resignation after arrest; Sena says he was held in 'cunning manner'

Following the arrest of Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik in money laundering case linked to Dawood Ibrahim, the BJP demanded Malik's resignation while Shiv Sena said he should not step down as he was held in a 'cunning manner'.

The BJP on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik following his arrest by the ED, but Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut countered it saying that the NCP leader should not be asked to step down as he was held in a "cunning manner".

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Malik in a money laundering case linked to the activities of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, his aides and the Mumbai underworld.

The 62-year-old NCP leader was taken to the ED's office in south Mumbai for questioning in the morning and was later arrested.

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Malik is the first serving cabinet minister to be arrested on money laundering charges.

Following his arrest, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil demanded that the minister should be removed from the state cabinet.

Speaking to reporters, he said, "There is a law, which states that a minister should be removed from his post if he is facing criminal charges. Malik should be removed or asked to step down from his post."