Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut says he can't tolerate AC, agency promises ventilated room

MUMBAI: During the hearing in the money laundering case before the special PMLA court on Thursday, 62-year-old Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said the Enforcement Directorate had kept him in a room that had no window or ventilation and only a fan.
Addressing the court in Marathi, Raut expressed his grievances after the judge, following standard procedure during remand hearings, asked if he had any complaints. The court reacted to his statements saying the issue was "serious" and sought an explanation from the agency.
The ED told the court that since the room was air conditioned, there was no ventilation. It was also submitted that the entire building was centrally air conditioned.
"The entire building is around 15,000 square feet. While the room where he is kept is around 500 square feet," the ED said. The ED said Raut had not complained to its officers.
On the judge's query, Raut said he could not tolerate the AC due to his health condition. The ED, in turn, assured that they would provide him with a ventilated room. Raut said he was satisfied.
"The ED shall take all steps in respect of the manner in which they have made arrangement of stay of the accused...accused is at liberty to point out if the arrangement was not made accordingly even after this direction," the judge said.
At the first remand hearing on Monday, following submissions that Raut was suffering from a heart ailment, the court had directed the ED to provide prompt medication and hospitalization if required and also ensure timely intervals in between the hours of interrogation. - Rebecca Samervel