Marathi film director Swapna Patkar’s reported refusal a few years ago to transfer alleged benami properties acquired in her name by Shiv Sena’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut to his wife, Varsha, had led to a seemingly irreparable rift between the two. The relationship had turned so acrimonious that Swapna Patkar turned to the Enforcement Directorate and became the key witness in the ongoing money laundering probe against Raut. The MP is currently in the ED’s custody.
It is reported that Patkar helped the ED build a concrete money laundering case against Raut based on evidence related to transfer of proceeds of crime provided by her. It is alleged that huge cash payments were made by Raut for the acquisition of several properties.
Patkar is now alleging in a writ petition filed by her in the Bombay high court that Raut was stalking her. An audio clip, allegedly featuring Sanjay Raut abusing Swapna Patkar, has also emerged. The matter has now become part of a separate investigation after registration of an FIR by the Bombay police.
Patkar has joint ownership of at least eight plots of land at Kihim Beach in Alibaug with Varsha Raut. Both, Sanjay and Varsha Raut, are accused in the Patra Chawl money laundering case and have been questioned by the ED.