A major domestic dispute involving allegations of occult practices and harassment has surfaced within the family of Vinayak Raut, a former Member of Parliament belonging to the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction. His daughter-in-law, Girija Raut, has filed a formal police complaint accusing her husband Gitesh Raut and other family members of severe domestic abuse and active involvement in black magic. Following the complaint registered at the Kapurbawdi police station in Thane, local law enforcement authorities have arrested an occult practitioner identified as Firoz Adam Sheikh. The accused was subsequently produced before a Thane court, which remanded him to police custody for two days to facilitate further investigation.
The Arrest of the Occultist and Legal Proceedings
Following the detailed statement provided by Girija Raut, the Thane police initiated prompt action by registering a case under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act. The investigation led to the apprehension of Firoz Adam Sheikh, a local baba who allegedly conducted various superstitious rituals for the family. Law enforcement officers presented the arrested practitioner before the Thane court, requesting custody to uncover the full extent of the occult activities. The court approved a two-day police remand for the accused, allowing investigators to interrogate him regarding the rituals performed at the family's residence.
Allegations of Marital Issues and Superstitious Rituals
Girija Raut, who married Gitesh Raut in 2017, shared details about her troubled married life. She alleged that no physical relationship was ever established between her and her husband since their wedding. According to Girija, Gitesh consistently refused to initiate a physical relationship, choosing instead to rely on superstitious rituals and aghori practices under the guise of improving their marital life. She stated that whenever she attempted to protest against these bizarre practices, she was subjected to physical assault, verbal abuse, and forced into silence by her husband and in-laws. Girija further alleged that her father-in-law, Vinayak Raut, actively encouraged and supported these superstitious practices within the household. She described instances where rituals such as cutting lemons over her head and forcing her to consume water mixed with the ashes of incense sticks were regularly performed.
Mysterious Cash Counting and Financial Disputes
The complaint also highlights suspicious financial activities within the household. Girija claimed that Gitesh would frequently bring home large sums of cash and force her to count it manually. On one specific occasion, she was reportedly made to count approximately Rs 18 lakh in cash, despite the presence of a currency-counting machine in the house. When she questioned her husband about the origin of such substantial amounts of money, Gitesh refused to provide any explanation. Additionally, Girija addressed counter-allegations made by Vinayak Raut, who claimed she had demanded Rs 5 crore, a monthly allowance of Rs 2 lakh, a 3 BHK flat, and an automatic car. Girija strongly refuted these claims, labeling them as completely baseless and clarifying that her legal action is limited strictly to a domestic violence complaint.
Statement from Girija's Family and Legal Representation
Expressing support for her daughter, Girija’s mother, Puja Pawar, recounted their experiences during visits to the household. She mentioned that they frequently accompanied Girija in the hope of resolving her marital issues. However, they were made to wait outside the room while Girija and Gitesh sat with the occult practitioners. Puja Pawar explained that they remained silent for a long time, hoping things would eventually improve, but since no positive change occurred, they are now seeking justice. She also confirmed that Girija has been living separately from her husband for the past three years, and they are now preparing to file for divorce.
Sagar Kadam, the legal counsel representing Girija Raut, elaborated on the legal steps being taken. He stated that they have demanded strict action under the state's stringent laws against human sacrifice and aghori practices. Kadam pointed out that there are a total of seven accused named in the black magic case, including the former MP Vinayak Raut. The legal team has urged the police to arrest all the accused individuals named in the FIR, emphasizing that a separate complaint regarding domestic violence has also been filed alongside the superstition charges.
