Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Vinayak Raut, his wife Shamal, son Gitesh Raut, and several others have been booked by the Kapurbawdi police in Thane following a complaint lodged by his daughter-in-law, Girija Raut. The allegations include deception into marriage, physical and mental cruelty, and forced participation in black magic rituals.
Girija Raut, who married Gitesh Raut on December 3, 2017, claims that prior to the wedding, the Raut family misrepresented Gitesh’s assets, assuring her of a prosperous life in properties they allegedly owned. The complaint further details a pattern of abuse spanning from 2018 to 2022, during which she alleges she was taken to self-styled godmen in Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri. There, she claims she was subjected to occult rituals, including being forced to consume cow urine and undergo ceremonies involving lemons and scissors.
The FIR has been registered under provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, commonly known as the Anti-Superstition Act. The complaint also names two individuals identified as Firoz Baba and Qazi Baba, who are alleged to have conducted some of these rituals.
In her complaint, Girija Raut also stated that she and her husband had no marital relations since 2018. She alleges that she was given medicines, had her hair pulled out, and was forced to consume substances against her will. Advocate Sagar Kadam, representing the complainant, stated that the case involves allegations of domestic harassment alongside the use of superstitious and aghori practices, and has sought the arrest of all accused parties.
Vinayak Raut has denied the allegations, attributing the complaint to an ongoing divorce dispute. He claims Girija Raut demanded Rs 5 crore, a 3-BHK flat, an automatic car, and Rs 2 lakh in monthly maintenance during mediation, which his family refused. He further stated that the allegations against his family are completely false.
Police have initiated an investigation into the matter. In a development related to the case, an alleged tantrik, identified as Firoz Sheikh, was reportedly arrested from Kudal in Sindhudurg district and was to be produced before a court in Thane. The Kapurbawdi police had previously stated that attempts were made to contact members of the Raut family during the investigation, but no response was received.
The Chenab Times News Desk