Probe Ordered into Rs 500 Crore Claims in Jarange Audio

A special investigation team has been set up by the Maharashtra government to probe a viral audio clip of 32 minutes that was made public by Maratha agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil. The clip includes claims of a 500 crore rupee deal, which the newly formed panel will now examine.

The state government has directed the team to conduct forensic and cyber examination of the recording along with other technical reviews. The official order describes the exercise as a step toward a fair and objective inquiry.

The three-member SIT is headed by Shailesh Balkawade, Additional Commissioner of Police, Southern Regional Division, Mumbai. Its members are Vijaykant Sagar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Zone-3, Mumbai, and Bajrang Bansode, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crime Branch, Mumbai.

Jarange Patil's release of the audio triggered a major political debate. He alleged that efforts were underway to tarnish and weaken the Maratha agitation. One portion of the clip claims that he had already received 500 crore rupees. The same conversation names Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP as the main personal targets.

The claims have prompted a wave of allegations and counter-allegations across the state. Political parties and social groups, including the opposition, have sought an impartial and transparent probe. Leaders of the ruling alliance have stated that a detailed technical and legal investigation is essential to reveal the truth.

The investigation is expected to clarify how much of what is said in the viral clip is accurate and who stands behind the claims.