Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Vinayak Raut and his family face a police complaint filed by his daughter-in-law, Girija Raut, alleging domestic abuse and forced occult rituals. The case, registered in Thane under domestic violence and anti-superstition laws, includes seven accused, among them Raut, his wife, and son.
Allegations of Harassment and Occult Practices
Girija Raut claims she was subjected to physical, emotional, and financial abuse since her 2017 marriage to Gitesh Raut. She alleges her in-laws forced her to drink cow urine and perform "aghori" rituals under self-styled godmen to aid conception. Her complaint also states her salary and bank accounts were controlled by her husband.
Thane police have arrested Firoz Shaikh, an occultist named in the complaint, and remanded him to custody. Raut and his family have sought anticipatory bail, with a hearing scheduled for July 23, 2026.
Raut Denies Claims, Cites Financial Dispute
Vinayak Raut dismisses the allegations as a conspiracy, stating Girija’s FIR stems from failed alimony negotiations. He claims she demanded ₹12.5 crore, a 3-BHK flat, and a car, and had previously taken 10–13 bags of her stree-dhan (dowry) to her maternal home in December 2023. Raut asserts his faith in the police and judiciary to clarify the matter.
Political Reactions and Next Steps
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut termed the issue a "purely family and domestic matter." State ministers have assured a transparent investigation. Vinayak Raut, a close associate of Uddhav Thackeray, lost his Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha seat in 2024 after two terms.
The Thane police have withdrawn Raut’s security cover pending the investigation. No questioning of the accused will occur until the bail hearing.
