Vinayak Raut seeks bail in Thane after daughter-in-law files black magic case

Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Vinayak Raut has approached the Thane Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail after he and his family members were booked at the Kapurbawdi Police Station in Thane. The family faces allegations of subjecting Raut's daughter-in-law, Girija Raut, to physical, mental, and emotional harassment, and forcing her to perform black magic rituals.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Vinayak Raut expressed confidence that he and his family would be granted anticipatory bail. The court has scheduled the hearing for the bail application on July 30. Raut stated that he has full faith in both the police investigation and the judiciary. He also promised to expose the truth regarding the allegations after July 23.

The criminal complaint was initiated by Girija Raut, who married Vinayak Raut's son, Gitesh Raut, in December 2017. At a press conference held last week alongside her advocate, Sagar Kadam, Girija detailed the alleged harassment she experienced over the years.

According to Girija, there has been no physical relationship between her and her husband since 2018. She alleged that her in-laws brought several self-styled godmen to the house to perform occult rituals in an effort to help her conceive. Additionally, she claimed she was forced to consume unidentified pills as part of these practices.

Following the complaint filed at the Kapurbawdi Police Station, the police arrested one self-styled godman, identified as Firoz Sheikh. The police investigation into the harassment and black magic allegations is currently underway.

Addressing reports that Girija met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, Vinayak Raut downplayed the meeting, remarking that anyone is free to meet the Chief Minister.

The Thane Sessions Court will hear the arguments for Vinayak Raut’s anticipatory bail on July 30, while the police continue their probe into the family and the arrested godman.