ACB revives probe against former Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Sunday alleged that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) probe against former Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik has restarted. The Ratnagiri ACB has sent a letter to the Kankavli Nagar Panchayat seeking detailed information about the commercial properties purchased by Vaibhav Naik. Naik on his part has said he will not succumb to any pressure. Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the moment Vaibhav Naik starts any protest or becomes active in politics, he gets notices. “We don’t know the reason for this inquiry and it is directionless. Now CM Devendra Fadnavis must look into why only opposition netas are being targeted,” Raut said.

In 2022, ACB issued notices for disproportionate assets to Sena (UBT) MLAs Rajan Salvi from Rajapur and Vaibhav Naik from Kudal in the Konkan region. Later in 2025, Rajan Salvi joined Eknath Shinde’s Sena.

“I have been continuously investigated for the last five years. We are fully facing this investigation and will continue to do so. However, for political reasons, an attempt is being made to put pressure on a person by repeatedly interrogating him for five years. I will not succumb to any such pressure at all. Necessary cooperation will be provided to the investigation agencies. Some other inquiries have been stopped. Then why is there a series of investigations going on behind my back,” Naik said.

Sena functionaries said ACB is currently conducting an investigation into the property purchased by Vaibhav Naik in Kankavli city. A letter has been sent by the Deputy Superintendent of Police of Ratnagiri ACB to the Chief Officer of Kankavli Nagar Panchayat. Officials said these properties were purchased between 2002 and 2006.