Patra Chawl scam: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut gave partial explanation on proceeds of crime, says ED

MUMBAI: Arguing against Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s bail plea in a money laundering case related to the Patra Chawl ‘scam’, the Enforcement Directorate on Monday alleged that during investigations, out of the proceeds of crime of Rs 3.3 crore, the politician had only given explanations for about Rs 1.06 crore.
The prosecution also submitted in the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court that large amount of loans taken from financial institutions were not utilised for the project.It was submitted that the project involved 47 acres land in Goregaon of which Mhada was the owner and there were 672 tenants. The prosecution argued that as the structures were in an old and dilapidated condition, Mhada came up with a scheme for redevelopment.
It was further submitted that the arrangement was first to rehabilitate tenants. The prosecution submitted that it was not the purpose of the scheme to only sell the free component. It said that the 672 tenants had suffered.
The arguments will continue on October 17. The special court on Monday extended his judicial custody by 14 days.
Raut was arrested by the ED on August 1. In September special PMLA court judge M G Deshpande took cognizance of a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate in the Rs 1,034-crore money laundering case. Linked to alleged irregularities in the Patra Chawl redevelopment project in Goregaon West, the chargesheet said “new evidence” points to his “major role” in “siphoning off” money.