Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Friday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) here to record his statement in a money laundering probe, and left after more than ten hours.

Raut reached the ED office located at the Ballard Estate in south Mumbai around 11.30 am. He was seen leaving the office around 10 at night.

Heavy police force was deployed outside the central agency's office as a large number of Shiv Sena workers were present at the spot. Barricades were placed on the roads leading to the office.

After his arrival, the Sena MP, sporting a saffron muffler around his neck, waved at his supporters before entering the office with his lawyer.

Speaking to reporters before going inside, Raut said, "I will cooperate with the agency in the investigation. It had summoned me, they require some information from me and it is my duty as a Member of Parliament, a responsible citizen and a leader of a political party to cooperate with them." He said he was "fearless and undaunted" as he has "not done anything wrong in life".

When asked whether it is a politically motivated case, Raut said, "We will come to know that later. I think I am appearing before an agency which is neutral, and I have full confidence in them." Earlier in the day, the Sena leader posted a tweet saying, "I will be appearing bfore the ED today at 12 noon. I respect the Summons issued to me and it's my duty to co-operate with the Investigation agencies.I appeal Shivsena workers not to gather at the ED office. Don't worry !" The ED had summoned the Rajya Sabha member for questioning in the money laundering probe linked to the re-development of a Mumbai 'chawl' (tenement) and related financial transactions involving his wife and friends.

The agency had earlier summoned him on June 28. However, Raut had termed the ED's summons as a "conspiracy" to stop him from fighting against the Shiv Sena's political opponents in the wake of a rebellion by party MLAs, and said he will not be able to appear before the agency on Tuesday as he had to attend a meeting in Alibag (Raigad district). The ED then issued a fresh summons and asked him to appear before it on Friday.

Shinde removed

Former Maharshtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Friday removed his successor Eknath Shinde from the post of Shiv Sena leader in the party organisation, reports ndtv.com. In a letter issued by the party, Thackeray said that Shinde has been indulging in "anti-party activities" and has voluntarily given up his membership.

"In exercise of the powers vested in me as the Shivsena Paksha Pramukha, I remove you from the post of Shivsena Leader in the party organisation," the letter signed by Thackeray was quoted by ndtv.com.