Whistleblower Alleges Rape and Threats in Patra Chawl Scandal

Swapna Patkar, a key witness in the Patra Chawl money laundering case, has accused the accused and his associates of rape and death threats to alter her statements. Additionally, Patkar reported intimidation attempts involving a threatening message thrown into her home. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut is allegedly involved.

Swapna Patkar, a witness in the money-laundering case involving Mumbai's Patra Chawl, has written to the Additional Director of the Western Region's Enforcement Directorate (ED), alleging rape and life threats aimed at coercing her to change her testimony. Patkar's letter claims ongoing threats and pressure to alter her statements and transfer property titles to the accused, Sanjay Raut, and his family.

Previously, Patkar filed a complaint with Vakola police in Mumbai, reporting a bottle containing a threatening letter thrown into her residence. The letter, written in Marathi, warned her against testifying in court. This incident reportedly occurred around 1 am, with her security staff confirming the presence of the threatening message.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, named in the case, was summoned by the ED on June 28, 2022, in relation to the Rs 1034 crore Patra Chawl land scam. Originating as a WWII era military barrack, the Patra Chawl area in Goregaon was slated for redevelopment in 2008. The project included rehoming 672 tenants under a tripartite agreement between the society, MHADA, and Guru Ashish Construction Pvt Ltd. However, the developers allegedly sold the Floor Space Index (FSI) to nine other developers for Rs 901.79 crore without fulfilling their obligations.

(With inputs from agencies.)