Full Breakdown
Alleged INR500 crore payout to Maratha activist sparks forensic and money-laundering probes
By Drooid · · How we work
Allegations and audio-clip controversy
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil released a 32-minute audio recording on October 22, 2026 claiming a INR500 crore payment was being routed to him through Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Shrikant Shinde, son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The clip features a woman allegedly stating the money would be delivered “through Shrikant Shinde,” and was presented as evidence of a scheme to silence the activist ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 26, 2026, asking the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate the alleged transaction under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA).
The BJP rejected the allegations, accusing Raut of fabricating the audio with AI to advance Rahul Gandhi’s agenda and create discord within the Mahayuti alliance. BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban called for a case against Raut and a probe into possible funding from Gandhi.
Background and prior interactions
Jarange-Patil’s activism began in 2023 after a hunger strike ended when Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde offered him a glass of fruit juice and pledged support for Maratha reservation. He resumed protests with hunger strikes in August 2025 and September 2026, alleging state suppression of the Maratha movement.
Official statements & responses
- Raut framed the claim as “extremely serious” and demanded a forensic and cyber investigation.
- He asked for a legal case against Raut and an inquiry into any possible funding from Gandhi.
- He called for Jarange-Patil to submit concrete evidence to the authorities.
- Chandrashekhar Bawankule (Maharashtra minister) urged Jarange-Patil to file an official police complaint and provide evidence.
- Devendra Fadnavis (Chief Minister) ordered a forensic probe of the audio on October 23, 2026, directing state police to verify authenticity and trace any digital manipulation.
Criticism & opposition
The BJP’s primary criticism targets Raut’s role, alleging he engineered the clip to damage the BJP and its allies. BJP leaders described the audio as a “well-planned political conspiracy” and urged law-enforcement agencies to determine its genuineness.
Data & statistics
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Alleged payment | INR500 crore |
| Audio release date | October 22, 2026 |
| Raut’s letter date | October 26, 2026 |
| Forensic probe ordered | October 23, 2026 |
| Legal framework cited | Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA) |
Conflicting reports & gaps
- Audio authenticity – The recording’s provenance remains unverified. The BJP alleges AI manipulation; Shiv Sena (UBT) has not confirmed authenticity. No independent forensic result has been released.
- Existence of the payment – Jarange-Patil’s claim of a INR500 crore payout is unsubstantiated; both Eknath Shinde and Shrikant Shinde deny receiving or disbursing such funds.
- Source of the money – Raut’s request seeks to identify the origin of the alleged sum, but no source has been publicly disclosed.
What’s next
The Enforcement Directorate is expected to open a money-laundering inquiry under the PMLA, as per Raut’s request. The forensic examination ordered by Chief Minister Fadnavis will determine the audio’s technical integrity. Findings from both investigations will shape any subsequent legal or political actions concerning the alleged INR500 crore transaction and the broader dispute over Maratha reservation agitation.