Maharashtra CM orders forensic probe into viral audio clip

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic investigation into a controversial audio clip that has sparked political tension in the state. The clip allegedly claims that Rs 500 crore was paid to Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, acting on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to weaken the Maratha movement.

Jarange Patil has called for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure an impartial inquiry, alleging a conspiracy to defame him and suppress the Maratha community’s agitation. He has appealed to both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state leadership to intervene.

In response to the allegations, Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam accused Jarange of colluding with certain BJP elements to politically undermine Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Fadnavis stated that both the Shiv Sena-led delegation and the BJP have sought a probe, and promised that forensic methods will be used to uncover the truth behind the timing and motives of the recording.