Mumbai Police form SIT to probe Jarange’s ₹500 crore claim as Raut writes to Shah seeking ED probe

Maharashtra’s political scene has been unsettled by a financial claim made by Manoj Jarange Patil, a well‑known activist for the Maratha community’s reservation demands. Patil alleges that he is owed roughly five hundred crore rupees in connection with a project that was promoted as part of the state’s effort to address historical inequities for the Maratha caste. The size of the claim and the activist’s high public profile have turned the issue into a flashpoint for debate among the state’s ruling coalition, which includes parties with differing views on reservation policy. Critics argue that the demand could influence voter sentiment ahead of upcoming local elections, while supporters see it as a legitimate effort to secure promised benefits for the community.

The Mumbai police have responded by setting up a special investigation team (SIT) to examine the financial aspects of Patil’s claim. The team, composed of senior officers from the crime branch, has been tasked with tracing the flow of funds, verifying documentation, and interviewing relevant parties. At the same time, NCP leader Ajit Raut sent a formal letter to Maharashtra’s chief minister, Eknath Shinde, urging the Enforcement Directorate to open a separate probe into possible money‑laundering or misuse of public resources linked to the claim. Raut’s appeal reflects growing pressure from opposition legislators who fear that the controversy could damage the credibility of the current alliance.

The formation of the SIT and the call for an ED investigation have intensified scrutiny of the alliance between the Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP, which has been fragile since the 2022 power‑sharing arrangement. Party insiders suggest that the dispute over the ₹500 crore claim could widen existing rifts, especially if the investigation uncovers irregularities that implicate senior officials. Voters in rural and urban Maharashtra are likely to assess the episode when they head to the polls later this year, making the outcome of the probes a potential factor in the next electoral contest. Observers will be monitoring court filings and any statements from the involved parties for signs of escalation.