# Maharashtra political audio clip investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maharashtra-political-audio-clip-investigation
> Updated: 2026-10-26T14:40:46.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

A political controversy has emerged in Maharashtra following the release of a viral audio clip. The recording 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.

In response to the allegations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a forensic investigation to determine the truth behind the recording. Manoj Jarange Patil has called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure an impartial inquiry, alleging a conspiracy to defame him and suppress the Maratha community’s agitation.

Following these developments, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharati constituted a three-member SIT to conduct a forensic examination of the audio tape. This team, led by Additional Commissioner of Police Shailesh Balkawade and including Deputy Commissioners Vijaykant Sagar and Bajrang Bansode, is tasked with performing a comprehensive technical analysis. The investigation aims to address allegations involving Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his son, Shrikant Shinde, both of whom have denied the claims.

Additionally, 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.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde faces SIT probe and Kumbh Mela promises

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde faces a Mumbai Police SIT probe over audio tape allegations of a 500-crore payoff, while also pledging housing for those displaced by the Kumbh Mela.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maharashtra-deputy-cm-eknath-shinde-faces-sit-probe-and-kumbh-mela-promises

### 2026-10-26: Mumbai police form SIT to probe alleged Rs 500 crore payout audio

Mumbai police have formed a Special Investigation Team to forensicly examine an audio clip alleging a Rs 500 crore payout to activist Manoj Jarange, amid calls for an ED probe.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mumbai-police-form-sit-to-probe-alleged-rs-500-crore-payout-audio

### 2026-10-24: Maharashtra CM orders forensic probe into viral audio clip

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic probe into a viral audio clip alleging a Rs 500 crore payment to activist Manoj Jarange Patil to influence the Maratha reservation movement.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maharashtra-cm-orders-forensic-probe-into-viral-audio-clip

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Cite as: Maharashtra political audio clip investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maharashtra-political-audio-clip-investigation