Manoj Jarange
Mumbai: Following chief minister Devendra Fadnavis ’s directive, Mumbai police commissioner Deven Bharti on Monday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an additional police commissioner, to investigate an audio clip circulated by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange at a conference on Oct 22 that allegedly involved a Rs 500 crore payment. Mumbai’s additional CP (South Region) Shailesh Balkawade will head the SIT, with deputy commissioners of police Vijaykant Sagar (Zone-3) and Bajrang Bansode (Cyber Crime) as members. Bharti authorised the SIT chief to appoint officers required for the investigation and submit periodic progress reports.
An order issued by the CP’s office said the audio clip reportedly referred to various individuals by name and mentioned alleged financial transactions involving substantial amounts. It added that the SIT has been constituted for forensic examination of the audio clip, other necessary technical analyses and a detailed, impartial investigation.