Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has made serious accusations concerning an accident in Nagpur involving Sanket Bawankule, son of BJP Maharashtra President Chandrashekhar Bawankule. According to Raut, Sanket and his friends were involved in a car accident after dining at a hotel where the bill allegedly included "beef cutlet" and alcohol. Raut questioned the hypocrisy of consuming beef during the holy month of Shravan and the Ganpati festival, especially by those who uphold Hindutva values.
Raut lambasted the Nagpur police for handling the case differently due to Sanket’s political connections, stating that ordinary citizens would have faced harsher consequences. He questioned why the FIR did not name the car owner, accusing the authorities of shielding Sanket by changing the driver involved after the accident. He linked the incident to broader concerns about law and order in the state under Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, remarking, "Fadnavis' mishandling of law and order will be recorded in dark history."
The accident, which took place in Nagpur's Ramdaspeth area, resulted in damage to several vehicles, and 17-18 people were reportedly hospitalized. However, no fatalities were reported. Raut drew a parallel between the incident and past cases involving high-profile figures like Bollywood actor Salman Khan, claiming that Sanket is being protected similarly.
In response, Chandrashekhar Bawankule addressed the incident, stating, “Proper action should be taken, whether the car belongs to my son or anyone else. Justice should be equal for all.” However, he emphasized that the police had not found any beef-related items on the menu of the La Horee hotel, where Sanket and his friends had dined. The menu lists chicken and mutton dishes, contradicting Raut's allegations.
Raut also criticized the BJP's double standards, pointing out that while Fadnavis continues to pursue the arrest of NCP leader Anil Deshmukh over a four-year-old case, he seems lenient when it comes to Sanket’s reckless behavior. "Sanket, after consuming alcohol, crushed ten cars and tried to kill people, and you are protecting him? How will you atone for this sin?" questioned Raut, describing the event as horrifying and demanding transparency from the government.
Raut’s claims have sparked controversy, adding to the ongoing debate about political favoritism and accountability in Maharashtra's legal system.
