Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Vinayak Raut, his son and several other family members have been booked after his daughter-in-law filed a police complaint alleging that she was subjected to black magic rituals, physical abuse and degrading treatment at the hands of the family.
An FIR has been registered at Kapurbawdi Police Station in Thane against Vinayak Raut, his son and corporator Gitesh Raut, along with other relatives. Two individuals identified as Firoz Baba and Qazi Baba have also been named in the case.
Daughter-in-Law Levels Serious Allegations
The complaint was filed by Girija Raut, who accused her in-laws of performing occult practices and forcing her to participate in rituals in the name of superstition.
According to the FIR, she alleged that she was made to drink cow urine, had her hair forcibly pulled out and was subjected to black magic rituals as part of alleged attempts to perform occult practices.
Police have not commented on the veracity of the allegations, stating that the matter is under investigation.
Case Registered Under Maharashtra Anti-Superstition Law
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, along with other relevant legal provisions.
Investigators have begun collecting evidence and recording statements to ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations.
What Is Maharashtra’s Anti-Superstition Act?
Maharashtra is among the few states with a dedicated law aimed at curbing black magic, human sacrifice and exploitative occult practices.
The legislation criminalises inhuman rituals carried out in the name of superstition, including practices that cause physical or mental harm. Depending on the severity of the offence, those found guilty can face imprisonment ranging from several months to life imprisonment in cases involving death.
Who Is Vinayak Raut?
Vinayak Raut is a senior leader of Shiv Sena (UBT) and represented the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency after winning the 2014 parliamentary elections. He lost the seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to BJP leader Narayan Rane.
Before entering Parliament, Raut served as an MLA from Mumbai’s Vile Parle constituency and later became a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
Police said further investigation is underway, and no conclusions have been drawn regarding the allegations at this stage.
