Mumbai, February 21 Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Saturday that Maharashtra Minister Dada Bhuse withdrew a defamation case filed against him after he expressed regret before a court in Nashik, stating that his allegation of corruption was based on "incorrect information".
The two leaders appeared before the court in Malegaon together in the morning.
Speaking to reporters after the proceedings, Bhuse, a leader of the ruling Shiv Sena, said that they both made it clear in court that they wished to end the dispute.
Bhuse's defamation complaint stemmed from an article published in Shiv Sena (UBT)'s mouthpiece 'Saamana' in 2023, in which Raut accused him of indulging in corruption to the tune of Rs 178 crore at Girna Co-operative Sugar Factory in Malegaon.
Speaking to reporters, Raut said, "I informed the court that based on National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) hearings, I had made some statements. It was then made by Advay Hiray, and I had supported him as a party colleague. Now Hiray himself joined the BJP, so he should take the case forward."
The Rajya Sabha MP said he also informed the court that due to his health conditions, he is unable to travel here frequently for the case.
A few months ago, the Sena UBT leader had taken almost a month off from his daily presser and social appearances. Party sources had later maintained that he was undergoing treatment for some serious ailment, and had withdrawn from public life and needed to take rest.
"I also informed the court that there was no direct involvement from my side in the court. The case was already going on, and the person who filed the petition has now joined the ruling party. Let them run the case," Raut said.
He said he had received incorrect information and had levelled allegations against Bhuse on that basis.
Raut said he expressed regret in the court and apologised to farmers and citizens of Malegaon for any confusion caused.
"Dada Bhuse and I share good relations. This is Maharashtra's culture. I made statements based on the wrong information," he said.
School Education Minister Bhuse said that Raut had accused him of being involved in a Rs 178-crore scam, but he later realised that the allegation was false and based on information provided by Hiray.
"Raut has apologised to the farmers and citizens of Malegaon. Considering the confusion among the farmers and residents and their well-being, the claim has been withdrawn. He expressed regret, and the matter has ended," Bhuse, who represents the Malegaon Outer assembly constituency, said.
