Chhatrapati

Sambhajinagar, 01 Oct (HS): The noose seems to be tightening around the

associates of Manoj Jarange, the Maratha protester who has often cornered the

Mahayuti government by going on hunger strikes demanding Maratha reservation.

A confidential investigation has been initiated by

the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the financial dealings of individuals

associated with Manoj Jarange. The ED had received several complaints regarding

the financial transactions of Jarange's associates, based on which the investigation

is underway. The ED has sought necessary evidence and documents by recording

the statements of the complainants. Information in this regard is also being

sought from other government agencies including the Income Tax Department.

Details of alleged financial dealings by Jarange's associates, including

disproportionate assets and suspected benami properties, are being

investigated.

At present, the ED has not registered any money

laundering case, but the confidential probe assumes significance. Complaints in

this regard have been made by several individuals, including Ajay Baraskar and

Sukhdev Khune of Beed. The financial transactions involved are claimed to be in

excess of Rs 100 to Rs 200 crores, which makes the next stages of this

investigation important.

Manoj Jarange had started a hunger strike in

Antawali Sarati a few days earlier. He was on his way to Mumbai. However, Manoj

Jarange had suspended his hunger strike at Patoda in Beed after his health

deteriorated on the way. After this, many of Manoj Jarange's colleagues in the

movement had suddenly come under the radar of the Income Tax Department. It was

reported that his wealth would be investigated. However, now it seems that the

case is going to be more than that.

Beed activist Amol Sukhdev Khune had filed a

complaint with the investigating agencies in this regard. An investigation is

currently underway based on his complaint. It is learnt that the properties,

alleged benami properties and financial transactions related to Manoj Jarange

and four persons associated with him are under investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar