Thu Sep 26 13:01:13 UTC 2024: ## Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut Sentenced to Jail in Defamation Case

**Mumbai, India:** Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has been found guilty of defamation in a case filed by Medha K. Somaiya, wife of former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya. The Metropolitan Magistrate of the 25th Court in Mazgaon sentenced Raut to 15 days in jail and a fine of Rs 25,000.

The case stemmed from allegations made by Raut in 2022 regarding a Rs 100 crore toilet construction scam in Mira Road, allegedly linked to an NGO run by the Somaiyas. Raut claimed to have official records supporting his accusations, but ultimately failed to produce them.

Raut, however, maintains that he merely raised legitimate questions based on available information and that the allegations were corroborated by ruling Mahayuti alliance leaders and brought up in the Assembly. He believes the conviction is a politically motivated attempt to silence him.

Medha Somaiya, who described herself as an ordinary housewife engaged in social service, expressed satisfaction with the verdict. She claimed to be the victim of a smear campaign and asserted that her family was innocent of any wrongdoing.

The Somaiyas, supported by the Mahayuti alliance, celebrated the verdict as a vindication of their stance. Conversely, the Opposition MVA partners, including Raut’s party, strongly condemned the decision, calling it politically motivated ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Following the conviction, Raut appealed the judgment and was granted bail for 30 days to allow him to file an appeal. The court also suspended his jail sentence for the same period.

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