Pratap Sarnaik files ₹100-crore defamation suit against Kirit Somaiya

Sarnaik’s move comes after Somaiya had alleged that some of Sarnaik’s constructions in Thane have irregularities. Somaiya said this was merely a “pot calling the kettle black” situation and added that he was not scared of such suits.

Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday filed a defamation civil suit of ₹100 crore by paying ₹3 lakh stamp duty in Thane civil court against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya. This comes after Somaiya had alleged that some of Sarnaik’s constructions in Thane have irregularities.

Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik has paid ₹3 lakh stamp duty in Thane civil court to file the defamation suit. (HT FILE)

Responding to the defamation suit, Somaiya said this was merely a “pot calling the kettle black” situation and added that he was not scared of such suits.

In December last year, Somaiya held a press conference in Thane and made several statements about a scam of ₹175 crore involving Sarnaik, which is currently under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Sarnaik had then sent him a notice to apologise or face defamation.

Sarnaik said, “On several occasions, by conducting press conferences in Thane, Somaiya made several statements about a scam of ₹175 crore related to MMRDA and Top Securities Group fraud which is under ED investigation. He also alleged that I have constructed illegal constriction from ninth to thirteenth floor in Vihang Garden, constructed under Vihang Group. The BJP leader is unnecessarily digging out 10-year-old issues to harm my political career.”

Replying to the suit, Somaiya, said, “This is merely a pot calling the kettle black. He has committed several irregularities, and therefore, he is facing inquiry from the ED. I am not scared of such suits.”