The unexplained absence of former Indian vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar from public view since his sudden resignation last month has prompted concern among opposition leaders, with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut formally writing to Home Minister Amit Shah for clarity.

In his letter, Raut said repeated attempts to contact Dhankhar had failed and there was no official word on his whereabouts or health. “From July 21 till today, there has been no information about the whereabouts of our (former) vice president. What is his current location? How is his health? There is no clarity on these matters,” Raut wrote.

Dhankhar resigned as vice president on 21 July, the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon session – a move that surprised both government and opposition ranks. He also vacated his official residence soon after stepping down. Raut voiced fears for Dhankhar’s safety, saying “the nation deserves to know the truth” amid unverified rumours that the former vice president had been confined to his residence. He added that he may file a writ petition in the Supreme Court if the government fails to respond.

Three senior opposition leaders – Congress’s Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar and leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party – are said to have sought meetings with Dhankhar after his resignation but were unable to secure appointments.

The Home Ministry has yet to comment on Raut’s letter.