Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis orders a forensic investigation into a viral audio clip released by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange. The clip alleges that ₹500 crore was paid to Jarange via Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, and it comes amid renewed tensions inside the state’s ruling alliance.
Fadnavis says the audio will be examined using forensic methods and raised questions about why it surfaced after about two and a half years, who is involved, and the motive behind its release. Shiv Sena figures also call for an impartial inquiry, including verification of speakers’ identities and whether the recording was tampered with. Jarange, in turn, alleges a conspiracy to silence him and weaken the Maratha agitation, while demanding an investigation into the clip’s authenticity and the alleged plot.
Across outlets, emphasis varies: some highlight political friction between BJP and Shiv Sena, including allegations of internal targeting of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde; others focus more narrowly on the CM’s decision to order forensic scrutiny. One outlet notes BJP claims the audio may have been generated using AI, adding a further authenticity concern to the investigation.
