Gulabrao Patil seeks forensic probe, SIT into Jarange audio clip

Maratha reservation agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil has put out an alleged audio clip, and allegations and counter-allegations have since been traded in Maharashtra politics. Minister Gulabrao Patil has now given his response on the matter.

Gulabrao Patil has demanded that the audio clip be examined by a forensic laboratory and that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be formed to look into the entire matter. He said he will meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for this purpose.

The clip presented by Jarange is claimed to refer to a transaction of Rs 500 crore and to mention the name of MP Shrikant Shinde. However, the truth of the conversation in the clip has not been independently established so far.

Speaking on the matter, Gulabrao Patil asked whether an attempt is being made to defame Eknath Shinde and Shrikant Shinde. He demanded a thorough investigation and that the real truth be brought out.

Patil said it should also be examined whether the alleged clip is an attempt to create misunderstanding or a dispute between the Shiv Sena and the BJP. He also said a technical examination is necessary to establish whose voices are in the clip, whether the conversation has been tampered with, and where the clip came from.

Gulabrao Patil also referred to Eknath Shinde's role in the Maratha reservation issue. He recalled the decision to give the Maratha community 10 per cent reservation and said he is upset that allegations are being made against Shinde and his son. He said: "Shinde did not give 500 crore and Jarange did not take it, now let the matter be investigated."

Patil also said it is not right to level allegations against anyone without evidence. He warned that if the need arises, "we too will give a tit-for-tat reply". He wants the truth of the matter to come out and action to be taken against those found guilty.

A clear picture of the matter will emerge only after an official investigation into the authenticity of the audio clip, the identity of the voices and the claims of an alleged financial transaction.