Mumbai: In a major development, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Maharashtra government has recorded BJP MLC Pravin Darekar’s statement. Darekar had alleged a conspiracy against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s tenure.
Background of the Allegations
During the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislative Council in December 2024, Darekar claimed a plot to frame Fadnavis and Shinde in false cases. He presented evidence, including audio recordings, to support his allegations. In response, the Maharashtra government constituted a four-member SIT to investigate. Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Satyanarayan Chaudhary leads the team, along with Deputy Inspector General Rajiv Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police Navnath Dhavle, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Adikrao Pol.
SIT’s Investigation Process
On Thursday, the SIT recorded Darekar’s statement as part of the ongoing inquiry. Speaking to the media, Darekar confirmed he had submitted all evidence to the investigators. He highlighted the seriousness of the issue, stating that falsely implicating leaders poses a significant threat to democracy.
Political Impact and Reactions
The allegations have fueled intense political debate in Maharashtra. Darekar asserted that senior leaders of the MVA government orchestrated the alleged conspiracy to target Fadnavis for exposing corruption. He suggested that the SIT’s report would reveal the truth behind the accusations. Meanwhile, opposition parties dismissed the investigation as politically driven, claiming it aims to tarnish the MVA’s reputation.Next Steps in the Probe
The SIT has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation and submit its findings within a set timeframe. The outcome of this inquiry could influence Maharashtra’s political landscape and shape public perception of key leaders.
