‘Cancer Started In Jail; Rahul Gandhi Warned Of Poisoning’: Sanjay Raut's Shocking Claim

News india ‘Cancer Started In Jail; Rahul Gandhi Warned Of Poisoning’: Sanjay Raut's Shocking Claim

‘Cancer Started In Jail; Rahul Gandhi Warned Of Poisoning’: Sanjay Raut's Shocking Claim

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Last Updated: September 06, 2026, 08:49 IST

Sanjay Raut was arrested in 2022 in connection with the Patra Chawl land case and was released from Arthur Road Jail after 101 days after being granted bail.

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Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has made a shocking claim that he suspected his cancer may have been linked to the time he spent in jail and said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suggested that he undergo a toxicity test to check whether poison had been added to his food.

While speaking to reporters on Saturday, the senior Rajya Sabha MP alleged that the current government was “so cruel" that it could go to any extent against those who oppose it.

“Rahul Gandhi also suspected that anything can happen to people like us in jail," Raut claimed as quoted by news agency PTI.

“The (cancer) disease started in the jail," he alleged.

According to Raut, Rahul Gandhi had advised him to get a toxicity test to determine whether his food had been contaminated.

“Rahul ji had asked me to get a toxicity test done to ascertain if poison was added to food," Raut said.

He further claimed that political leaders who had spent time in jail were facing health problems.

Raut also alleged that authorities could tamper with food or water in prison.

“There is a possibility in jail (that it can happen with) people like us who raise our voice against the government," he said, adding that Gandhi had warned them that such a situation could occur.

Raut was arrested on August 1, 2022, in connection with the Patra Chawl land case and was released from Arthur Road Jail on November 9, 2022, after 101 days after being granted bail.

He later documented his prison experiences in his book Narkatla Swarg (Heaven in Hell).

Raut has said he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in Nov 2025 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment at home and in hospital.

Who Is Sanjay Raut?

A prominent face of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and a key opposition voice in Maharashtra, Raut has been known for his sharp criticism of BJP and its allies.

He has been active in Maharashtra politics for several decades and is considered one of the closest aides of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Before entering politics, Raut worked as a journalist and is the executive editor of Saamana, the Marathi newspaper founded by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Quick Answers Powered by Ask News18 What shocking claim did Sanjay Raut make regarding his cancer diagnosis? Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that his cancer may have started during his time in jail and that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi advised him to get a toxicity test to check for poisoning in his food. When was Sanjay Raut arrested and released in connection with the Patra Chawl land case? Sanjay Raut was arrested on August 1, 2022, in the Patra Chawl land case and was released from Arthur Road Jail on November 9, 2022, after 101 days, following his bail being granted. What did Rahul Gandhi advise Sanjay Raut to do regarding his health concerns? Rahul Gandhi advised Sanjay Raut to undergo a toxicity test to determine if poison had been added to his food while he was in jail, suspecting that such actions could be taken against political opponents. Powered by Ask News18

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: September 06, 2026, 08:48 IST

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