Thane’s Kapurbawdi Police have formally booked Vinayak Raut, a former UBT leader and MP, his son Gitesh Raut, and five additional individuals following a complaint by Raut’s daughter‑in‑law, Girija Raut. In a press conference with advocate Sagar Kadam, Girija alleged a sustained campaign of physical, mental and emotional harassment after her December 2017 marriage.

Core Allegations

According to Girija, the couple has not shared a physical relationship since 2018. She further claimed that several self‑styled godmen were invited to perform occult rituals aimed at helping her conceive. The rituals allegedly involved her hair, a live chicken, electrical wires, a special drink, and the administration of unidentified pills.

Mental Trauma and Living Conditions

Girija asserted that prolonged psychological pressure kept her silent for years. She described living in a chawl with her husband while Vinayak Raut resided separately, visiting only occasionally during Navratri. Rejecting any monetary motive, she emphasized that she would have approached authorities sooner if financial gain were the goal.

Legal Response

Advocate Sagar Kadam demanded the arrest of Vinayak Raut and the other accused, citing non‑bailable offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Anti‑Superstition Act. Police have already detained one accused, identified as Firoz Baba, and the probe continues.

Implications for Politics and Society

The case highlights the intersection of political power, familial control, and the exploitation of superstition. Should the investigation substantiate the claims, it could trigger a significant political fallout in Maharashtra, eroding public trust in the UBT and prompting stricter enforcement of anti‑superstition laws.