Shiv Sena dubs ED raids against Anil Parab 'revenge politics'

The ED on Thursday raided multiple locations in Maharashtra as part of a money laundering probe against Parab and others

In a major swoop, the Enforcement Directorate raided multiple locations linked to Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray’s close aide and Transport and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anil Parab who is facing allegations of corruption from the opposition BJP.

An MLC with a law background, Parab (57) had played a key role in the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government involving Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress. The raids are being conducted in Mumbai, Pune and Ratnagiri, reports said.

The ED has filed a case against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Parab is the third minister of the MVA dispensation to be targeted by the ED -- the others being Anil Deshmukh and Nawab Malik, who are currently in jail. “Anil Deshmukh, Nawab Malik are in jail and now Anil Parab must get ready,” said BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. "Shiv Sena Minister Anil Parab Raided By ED! He is Minister Of Fabrication Cases Against Opposition!," Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya tweeted.

The MVA, however, has lashed out at the Centre for trying to disturb the alliance government and misusing central agencies to target political opponents, saying that Maharashtra and West Bengal have become big targets.

Also Read | Maharashtra minister Anil Parab under ED radar, raids under way in 7 locations

“For the past several days, such raids have been conducted against MVA leaders with a political motive. Several BJP leaders face cases and charges, however, there are no raids on them,” Shiv Sena chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut said. “The Shiv Sena or the MVA is not going to be demoralised,” he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the NCP said: “The central agencies have the right (to investigate)….but I don’t know why this action has been taken against the state minister. There should not be any interference in actions taken by the central agencies. We have no objection (against such action) if transparency is maintained. The agencies have all the rights but all we expect is they should not be misused.”

The specific details of the raids are not yet known. However, the allegations include purchase of a parcel of land in Dapoli by Parab in 2017 for a consideration of Rs 1 crore. It may also be recalled that dismissed Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Vaze had alleged that in July-August, 2020, Vaze claimed Parab had called him to his official bungalow and insisted him to initiate primary talks to get Rs 50 crore with a prominent trust in order to close an inquiry.