The Mumbai Police announced on Monday, October 26, 2026, the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations made by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil regarding an alleged ₹500 crore transaction intended to subdue the Maratha quota agitation. The inquiry was officially ordered by Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti following public statements and audio recordings presented by Jarange Patil during a media briefing.
According to reporting by The Hindu, the newly established SIT will be led by Additional Police Commissioner Shailesh Balkawade. The panel includes Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3) Vijaykant Sagar and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber, Crime Branch) Bajrang Bansode. The team has been directed to carry out comprehensive technical and forensic evaluations of the evidence presented by the activist.
Scope of the Police Order
The formal directive issued by Commissioner Deven Bharti highlights the necessity of validating the materials released to the press before drawing investigative conclusions. The order noted that Jarange Patil relayed an audio tape referencing specific individuals and discussions of financial exchanges.
"Mr Manoj Jarange Patil had held a press conference to relay an audio tape in front of the media. This audio tape had references to certain individuals, and to the exchange of a specific amount. It is important to do the forensic examination and technical examination of this audio, along with an impartial and in-depth probe in the issue. Thus, a Special Investigation Team is being formed," the official police order stated.
Jarange Patil had publicly alleged that funds amounting to ₹500 crore were channeled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to pass along to him to defuse and "manage" the Maratha reservation agitation. Jarange Patil demanded accountability and formal investigations directed at the state leadership, specifically citing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and DCM Eknath Shinde.
Photographic Documentation
Manoj Jarange — verified documentary press visual.
Political Escalation and Demand for Federal Probe
Parallel to the municipal police action, the controversy triggered immediate friction across Maharashtra's political spectrum. On October 25, 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut formally addressed a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Details documented by The Hindu's Maharashtra Bureau show that Raut called for swift central intervention to review the financial allegations. In his communication, Raut asserted that the public requires clarity regarding what steps the Union Home Ministry is taking, urging an immediate federal financial investigation into whether illicit funds were mobilized to disrupt the quota agitation.
Procedural Framework and Investigation Timeline
Forensic analysts will now examine the audio files for indications of splicing, digital manipulation, or voice synthesis to establish their evidentiary validity under the Indian Evidence Act. Investigators are expected to summon relevant parties heard or cited in the recordings once preliminary forensic reports are finalized by technical personnel.
| Investigative Element | Details & Mandate | Assigned Personnel / Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Authority | Mumbai Police SIT | Additional CP Shailesh Balkawade |
| Supervisory Officers | Zone 3 & Cyber Crime Wings | DCP Vijaykant Sagar, DCP Bajrang Bansode |
| Authorizing Executive | Order issued October 26, 2026 | Police Commissioner Deven Bharti |
| Core Investigative Tasks | Forensic analysis of audio recordings, authentication | Cyber Crime Branch & Forensic Science Lab |
| Central Demand | Enforcement Directorate inquiry | Union Home Ministry (Petitioned by Sanjay Raut) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Mumbai Police establish a Special Investigation Team?
Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti ordered the formation of the SIT to conduct an impartial technical and forensic investigation into an audio tape released by Manoj Jarange Patil, which alleges a ₹500 crore transaction intended to influence the Maratha quota protest.
Who are the members of the SIT?
The three-member SIT consists of IPS officers led by Additional Police Commissioner Shailesh Balkawade, alongside Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3) Vijaykant Sagar and DCP (Cyber, Crime Branch) Bajrang Bansode.
What are the specific allegations made by Manoj Jarange Patil?
Jarange Patil claimed during a press conference that ₹500 crore was routed from the BJP to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to be delivered to him in an attempt to pacify and control the Maratha quota agitation.
What action has Sanjay Raut demanded from the central government?
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut dispatched a formal letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah requesting an immediate investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to track the alleged money trail.
