Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday, October 26 wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding an immediate high-level investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Maharashtra Police into allegations that Rs 500 crore was paid to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange. He also urged that the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) be invoked in connection with the alleged payout.
In a two-page letter, Raut referred to an audio clip released by Jarange Patil on October 20, in which the activist allegedly made claims about the money. Raut described the clip as clear and undeniable proof.
Raut urged Shah to direct both agencies to thoroughly probe the source of the Rs 500 crore fund and trace its movement. He also wants them to uncover how senior BJP members, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Dr. Shrikant Shinde were allegedly connected to the financial scam, arrest those involved and bring out the complete truth.
In a post on X, Raut alleged that the BJP had handed money to Shrikant Shinde so that Rs 500 crore could be given to Jarange Patil. He said the party had earlier bought MPs, MLAs, parties and elections, and was now “buying agitations as well.” Raut asked where the money came from and whether it actually reached Jarange. He said the matter falls under the PMLA and asked Shah to hand the investigation to the ED.
The audio recording features a purported conversation about the Rs 500 crore pay-out. The clip allegedly suggests the funds were meant to influence or end the Maratha reservation agitation ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, with references to Shrikant Shinde.
Eknath Shinde and Shrikant Shinde have both denied the allegations. Jarange has maintained that he did not receive any money and has claimed the situation is part of a plot against his movement.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the audio clip released by Jarange Patil, following instructions from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The SIT will be headed by Shailesh Balkawade, Additional Commissioner of Police, South Regional Division, Mumbai. It has been tasked with examining the recording and conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations.
The probe will focus on the recording and the references it contains to individuals and alleged financial transactions. Police said further findings will be needed to establish the authenticity and context of the recording and whether any wrongdoing occurred.