Maharashtra minister withdraws defamation case against Sanjay Raut after latter expresses regret in court

Mumbai: In a development that raised political eyebrows, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s aide and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut and Maharashtra’s School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, who is a close aide of Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde settled a defamation case.

The two leaders appeared before a court in Malegaon together to complete the formality.

Later, they also addressed the media jointly.

Bhuse's defamation complaint dates back to 2023 following an article in Saamana, in which Raut, the Executive Editor and party’s chief spokesperson, accused him of indulging in corruption of Rs 178 crore in Girna co-operative sugar factory located at Malegaon.

Raut said he received incorrect information and levelled allegations against Bhuse, an MLA from Malegaon Outer, on that basis.

He informed the court that he made some statements based on National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) hearings. “It was then made by (then Shiv Sena (UBT) leader) Advay Hiray and I supported him as a party colleague. Now Hiray himself has joined the BJP... Now he should take the case forward,” said Raut.

Raut said he expressed regret in the court, and apologised to the farmers and citizens of Malegaon for any confusion caused. “Bhuse and I share good relations. This is Maharashtra's culture. I made statements based on the wrong information," he added.

On his part, Bhuse said he has put the matter to an end.

“Raut has apologised to the farmers and citizens of Malegaon. Considering the confusion among the farmers and residents and their well-being, the claim has been withdrawn. He expressed regret and the matter has ended,” said Bhuse.