Mumbai Police SIT Probes Jarange Audio Clip Allegation

Mumbai Police has formed a Special Investigation Team to examine an audio clip circulated by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange that allegedly refers to a Rs 500 crore payment and a political campaign against him. The probe follows a directive from Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and will include forensic and technical analysis of the recording.

Mumbai police commissioner Deven Bharti constituted the SIT on Monday, according to an order issued by the commissioner’s office. Additional commissioner of police for the South Region, Shailesh Balkawade, will head the team. Deputy commissioners of police Vijaykant Sagar of Zone 3 and Bajrang Bansode of the Cyber Crime unit are its members.

The commissioner has authorised the SIT chief to appoint additional officers as required and submit periodic progress reports. The order states that the team will conduct a forensic examination of the audio clip, undertake other necessary technical analyses and carry out a detailed and impartial investigation.