Mumbai police form SIT to probe alleged Rs 500 crore payout audio

A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established by Mumbai police to conduct a forensic and technical analysis of an audio clip released by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange. The recording allegedly features unidentified individuals discussing a Rs 500 crore payment to Jarange, with claims linking the funds to MP Shrikant Shinde, the son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The SIT will be led by Additional Commissioner of Police Shailesh Balkawade, alongside Deputy Commissioners Vijaykant Sagar and Bajrang Bansode. The team is tasked with performing a comprehensive, impartial investigation and is authorized to appoint additional officers as needed.

Separately, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Raut alleges the funds were intended to influence the Maratha reservation agitation ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Both Eknath and Shrikant Shinde have denied the allegations.