Thane: Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Vinayak Raut, his corporator-son Gitesh Raut, his wife and and two relatives moved a court on Monday seeking anticipatory bail in a case alleging cruelty and occult practices on his daughter-in-law.The plea is listed for hearing on July 23.Thane police launched a manhunt for the remaining three accused, including two alleged occultists. Another alleged occultist, Firoz Sheikh, was arrested on Sunday. Police said he is being interrogated to establish the roles of the other accused and verify the allegations made in the complaint. Police said documentary evidence and other material are being examined.The daughter-in-law, Girija Raut, has alleged being subjected to years of physical and mental cruelty, forced occult rituals and financial exploitation by the family.Meanwhile, Raut again denied all charges, calling them false, fabricated and malicious. He reiterated before reporters that the complaint was filed only after negotiations between Gitesh and Girija over divorce failed. He claimed Girija demanded a 3BHK flat, a car, monthly maintenance of Rs 5 lakh and a total compensation of Rs 12 crore towards settlement and damages for alleged emotional trauma.He claimed she voluntarily left the marital home on Dec 29, 2023, with her parents. “She has had no relationship with us since then. The allegations she has made relate to the period between 2018 and 2022. Yet, no complaint was filed at that time.” He said Girija nor her parents raised any objection while she was leaving the house or approached police, and that she had taken all her belongings with her.Raut also cited the possibility of a political angle in the case, saying he would speak about it “at the appropriate time”. He alleged that his police security was recently withdrawn.The FIR has been against all seven accused under Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, and as well as relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those for cruelty, cheating and criminal intimidation.
