Income Tax dept probes financial dealings of Manoj Jarange Patil's aides

Financial matters linked to Manoj Jarange Patil have come under scrutiny again in connection with the Maratha reservation agitation. According to reports, the Income Tax department has begun investigating the financial dealings of some leaders, relatives and business associates connected to the agitation. Officials cited in the reports said the probe is examining income tax returns, assets, large financial transactions and business relationships.

The investigation is also looking into government contracts awarded to companies linked to people associated with the agitation or their relatives, including the contract bidding process, changes in company turnover, and related business transactions.

Officials said an investigation is also underway into allegations concerning government works worth around Rs 764.7 crore awarded to a business entity in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. However, the same officials also clarified that no evidence of any political benefit or "quid pro quo" has come to light so far in these contracts.

According to officials, the business concerned carried out a total of 259 works between 2016 and 2023, valued at around Rs 764.7 crore in all. In 2023, this business was converted into a private company. For this reason, the entire background of the contracts and prior work experience is also being examined.

Ajay Barskar, a former associate of Manoj Jarange Patil, has previously made serious allegations about financial dealings linked to the agitation. Barskar had demanded an investigation into the financial dealings of Jarange and some of his associates. It is reported that Barskar also filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate in this matter in September.

Barskar had also raised questions about a closed-door conversation between Jarange and minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Barskar has made allegations concerning certain transactions and contracts during the agitation. These allegations have been made by Barskar, and their veracity will depend on the findings of the investigating agencies.

The Income Tax department's investigation is examining the income, assets, financial transactions and business relationships of those concerned. It is also reviewing the government contracts, bidding processes and financial dealings of the companies involved.

Meanwhile, there is political and social discussion around these allegations, but they should not be treated as proven. Based on the information available so far, this is part of an ongoing process of financial scrutiny and investigation into the allegations. Attention is now on the outcome of the Income Tax department's further investigation.