Do Politics, Do Not Defame Us" Shiv Sena's Anand Dubey Welcomes SIT Probe Into Manoj Jarange Patil Rs 500 Crore Audio Clip Row

Mumbai, 28 October 2026 - Shiv Sena leader Anand Dubey has welcomed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged audio clip involving Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil and Rs 500 crore payout allegations.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Dubey said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. He emphasized that politics should be done on issues, not through personal defamation.

What Did Anand Dubey Say?

Anand Dubey, spokesperson of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), said that a delegation of Shiv Sena leaders met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and requested an SIT probe.

"Our leaders themselves went and met the Chief Minister. A delegation requested an SIT, and the Chief Minister assured that an SIT would be formed to investigate and conduct a forensic probe to uncover the truth. This is a very good step," Dubey said.

He further added, We always say Do politics, but do not defame us. Our leader Shrikant Shinde rightly pointed out that we ourselves are searching for this Rs 500 crore. Do you know how big Rs 500 crore is? How did it come, where was it counted, and what actually happened? It is completely laughable that anyone can level such serious allegations without any basis.

Dubey said that anyone can level random allegations, but such claims must be proved with evidence.

What Is The Rs 500 Crore Audio Clip Controversy?

The controversy erupted after Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil released an audio clip a few days ago.

In the alleged audio clip, it is claimed that

• Rs 500 crore was paid to Manoj Jarange Patil through BJP MP Shrikant Shinde.

• Shrikant Shinde is the son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

• The money was allegedly given to weaken the Maratha reservation agitation before the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.

• The clip also allegedly mentions Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP as conspirators.

Manoj Jarange Patil, who led the massive Maratha quota agitation, said that there is a political conspiracy to defame his movement.

Formation of SIT

Following the uproar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on 27 October 2026.

The SIT will

- Conduct a forensic analysis of the audio clip to check if it is genuine or AI-generated.

- Investigate the source and authenticity of the Rs 500 crore claim.

- Trace the money trail if any transaction occurred.

- Submit its report within a stipulated time.

Sources in the Chief Minister's Office said that the forensic probe is crucial to find out whether the voices in the clip are cloned using Artificial Intelligence.

Opposition Demands ED Probe

While Shiv Sena welcomed the SIT, the opposition has demanded a deeper probe.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut demanded an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe under the PMLA Act.

"The Rs 500 crore matter in Maharashtra is very serious. If the BJP is now buying agitations, then an ED probe is essential to trace where the money came from and whether it reached Jarange Patil," Raut said.

Congress leader Husain Dalwai also demanded an independent investigation.

Jarange Patil's Reaction

Manoj Jarange Patil, reacting to the SIT formation, said that the government should not hide behind the AI excuse.

"Do not say it is AI. Identify the voices in the clip and conduct an impartial investigation. The Maratha community wants the truth," Jarange Patil said.

He reiterated that his movement for Maratha reservation is honest and no one can buy it.

Political Implications

This controversy has come at a time when local body elections are approaching in Maharashtra. The Rs 500 crore allegation has created a political storm in the state.

The BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) have called the audio clip fake and politically motivated, while the opposition is using it to target the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

The SIT report will be crucial as it will decide the future course of this controversy.