SIT to probe allegations of extortion against ED officials
The Hindu
Announcement from Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil comes hours before ED attached properties belonging to Sanjay Raut’s family members
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations levelled by Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials of blackmailing and extortion.
The announcement from Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil comes hours before the ED attached properties belonging to the family members of Mr. Raut, indicating the ‘war’ between the State and the Centre is set to escalate in the coming weeks. Last week, Mr Raut reportedly expressed unhappiness over alleged lack of action by the Mumbai police despite his complaints against ED officials.
“The SIT will work under Additional Police Commissioner Viresh Prabhu. It will have no time constraints. It will get as much time it wants to probe the allegations levelled by Sanjay Raut,” Mr. Walse-Patil said, adding that the manner in which properties were attached, without even giving notices, demonstrated the functioning of the Union government.
At a press conference last month, Mr. Raut presented papers claiming how ED officials, in association with a businessman, were involved in an extortion racket by blackmailing companies that were under probe by the agency. He had said that he will submit papers to the police. According to sources, on a day when the Economic Offences Wing begun primary investigation, the ED attached properties of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s brother-in-law Shridhar Patankar.
The constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) slammed the action and pointed to the recent comments on Central probe agencies by the Chief Justice of India. Slamming the BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya over his “accurate” predictions of ED actions, NCP State president Jayant Patil questioned whether the Central agencies informed Mr. Somaiya before taking actions.
“These things will have no impact on the stability of the State government. Agencies are purely being used to create suspicion against the political parties in this government,” he stated.
Singer Sunitha Upadrasta's debut performance in Visakhapatnam on December 6 at MGM Park, sharing insights into her illustrious music career.
10th edition of India Photo Festival begins in Hyderabad
Greater Chennai Corporation forms city sales committee to regulate street vendors, organizing special camps for new identity cards.
Explore the love letter to Delhi at Dhoomimal Gallery showcasing art, textiles, ceramics, and sound inspired by Connaught Place.
iTNT CEO collaborates with T-Hub, Hyderabad, on AI-driven innovation and ethical practices for start-ups in Tamil Nadu.
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to do away with the collection of garbage collection tax. To this effect, Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana tabled an Amendment Bill to Repeal Garbage Tax in the State Legislative Assembly on November 21 (Thursday). The Assembly approved the same.
Superintendent of Police urges bankers to prevent cybercrimes by verifying IDs, monitoring large transactions, and enhancing security measures.
Former Vice-Chancellor Karnataka Folklore University K. Chinnappa Gowda on Wednesday said folklore is an intangible yet vital part of culture, conveying the experiences and wisdom of common people. It is precious and must be regarded with special attention.
Many farmers at the monthly grievance redress meeting raised concerns about not receiving the full compensation of crop insurance scheme. The meeting held at the collectorate in Thoothukudi on Thursday was presided over by District Collector K. Elambahavth
BJP in Mysuru to protest waqf land issue, alleging Congress appeasement and claiming government land, agricultural fields, and more.
Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has said that it was the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government which introduced the self-financing scheme in medical education in the State.