Minister Drops Defamation Case After Raut’s Regret

Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Dada Bhuse on Saturday withdrew the defamation case filed against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut after a formal apology in court. The legal dispute began in 2023 when Raut accused Bhuse of the Rs 178 crore corruption scandal involving the Malegaon sugar factory. Admitting that the allegations were based on false information, Raut expressed his sadness for the confusion. As a result, Mr. Bhuse chose to drop the case.

The two leaders, who appeared before the court to resolve the issue amicably, were seen chatting sincerely as they left the building.

The defamation complaint arose from Mr. Raut’s alleged corruption of Rs 178 million at the Girna Cooperative Sugar Mill in Malegaon.

Explaining his earlier remarks, Mr. Raut, a Rajya Sabha member, said that he relied on information provided by Advay Hiray, who was then associated with Shiv Sena (UBT). “I had supported him as a party colleague. Now he has also joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, so he needs to take the issue forward,” Mr. Raut said.

Mr. Raut’s specific allegation against Mr. Bhuse in 2023 was that the Shiv Sena leader had collected Rs 178 million from around 7,000 local farmers as shares for the Girna Cooperative Sugar Mill. Mr. Raut had alleged that this money was misappropriated.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also stated that he apologized in court not only to Mr Bhuse but also to the farmers and citizens of Malegaon. “I received incorrect information and made statements based on it. I regret the confusion that occurred,” he said.

Commenting on Eknath Shinde’s relationship with his close colleague Mr Bhuse, Mr Raut said the cordial outcome reflected the political culture of Maharashtra. “Dada Bhuse and I share good relations. This is the culture of Maharashtra,” he said.

Mr Bhuse, who currently holds the school education portfolio, said Mr Raut understood that the allegations were false and admitted this before the court. “He expressed his regret for the unfounded allegations and with that, the matter is closed,” the minister said.