SIT Inquiry: Manoj Jarange’s Violent Remarks Under Scrutiny

February 27, 2024: The Maharashtra state government has ramped up its efforts to address the controversy surrounding Manoj Jarange’s inflammatory remarks. Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the Vidhan Sabha, has warned that the truth behind the targeted attacks on police personnel and the forces behind such violence will be exposed.

Addressing the assembly, Fadnavis stated, “President Rahul Narvekar has directed an SIT to investigate Manoj Jarange’s statements rigorously. While I didn’t intend to discuss this matter, the topic has been raised here, necessitating my response. As a Maratha and a Maharashtrian, I am well aware of the contributions made by the community. During my tenure as Chief Minister, I extended reservations to the Maratha community, a decision that was upheld in the High Court and the Supreme Court.”

Fadnavis continued, “I’m proud to have supported various initiatives for the community, including scholarships and loans through the Sarathi scheme. It’s disheartening to see individuals like Jarange Patil, who once stood with me, resort to such activities. We must ascertain the instigators behind these attacks.”

Shifting the focus to recent violence, Fadnavis raised a series of important questions. “Who incited stone-pelters? Whose interests do they serve? Who facilitated Jarange’s return prior to the lathi charge in Jalna? Are the police complicit in this conspiracy? These questions demand answers, and a thorough investigation will be conducted.”

Fadnavis assured the public, “I will stand by the people of Maharashtra. I am not concerned about Jarange Patil; however, we must identify the individuals pulling his strings. An investigation into the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ‘war room’ will also be carried out.”

Subsequently, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rahul Narvekar has instructed the Home Department to form an SIT to probe Jarange’s statements. “Violence and hate speech have no place in a democratic society,” stated Narvekar, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to address such issues. “Given the gravity of the situation, a thorough SIT investigation is imperative,” he concluded.