Overview
- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut alleged that ₹5.5 crore in cash was intended to bribe members of the Maharashtra Legislature's Estimates Committee during their visit to Dhule.
- Police confirmed the seizure of ₹1.84 crore from Room 102 of the Gulmohar Government Guest House, booked under the name of Kishore Patil, an assistant to committee chairman Arjun Khotkar.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the origin and intended use of the cash, calling the allegations serious.
- Legislative Council chairperson Ram Shinde suspended Kishore Patil and announced a departmental inquiry into his involvement in the case.
- The controversy has intensified political tensions, with opposition leaders questioning the administration's response and demanding stricter accountability measures.