A special court remanded Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut to 14-day judicial custody in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the redevelopment of a Mumbai 'chawl'.
The Enforcement Directorate argued that the release of Raut at this stage will hamper the investigation as he is a very influential person and it is feared that he may tamper with the evidence.
Raut was produced before special PMLA court judge MG Deshpande after the expiry of his ED custody on Monday afternoon. The federal probe agency did not seek further extension of his custody. The court allowed Raut's plea for home food and medicines but refused to pass an order on his prayer for bedding.
The judge said as per the prison manual, jail authorities make adequate bed arrangements. After the court order, Raut was taken to Arthur Road jail in central Mumbai, officials said. A police vehicle carrying Raut reached the jail in the evening. The ED, which had arrested the Sena Rajya Sabha member on August 1, said in its application in the court that during custodial interrogation, Raut did not explain his involvement in the alleged crime.
