CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Mumbai: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Maharashtra Police into allegations of a ₹500 crore transaction linked to the Maratha reservation agitation. The controversy intensified after activist Manoj Jarange-Patil released an audio clip that allegedly discusses a payment intended to influence the movement.
Raut questioned the source and destination of the alleged funds and called for an investigation to establish who arranged the money, who was supposed to receive it and what happened to it. He also sought scrutiny of the alleged roles of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his son, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde.
According to reports, Jarange-Patil alleged that the money was intended to weaken the Maratha reservation movement ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The activist claimed that the alleged amount was to be routed through Shrikant Shinde, but maintained that he had not received any money. Both Eknath Shinde and Shrikant Shinde have rejected the allegations.
The controversy has also raised questions about the authenticity of the audio recording. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic examination of the clip, while BJP leaders have questioned its credibility. The recording's authenticity and the allegations surrounding it have not been independently established.
Raut urged the Centre to ensure a thorough investigation and questioned whether the same urgency shown in previous high-profile financial investigations would be applied in this case. He argued that establishing the facts was necessary to address public concerns and maintain confidence in democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, Jarange-Patil has also called for an impartial inquiry, including the possibility of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The controversy has intensified political exchanges in Maharashtra, putting the ruling alliance under scrutiny as investigators are expected to examine the recording and the claims made by the parties involved.
At this stage, the alleged ₹500 crore transaction remains an allegation, not an established finding of wrongdoing. The outcome of the forensic examination and any subsequent investigation will be important in determining the facts.
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