Activist Alleges ₹1,000 Crore Fraud Against Maratha Quota Leader

Manoj Jarange-Patil, the face of the Maratha reservation agitation, has been accused of being involved in a ₹1,000 crore fraud by activist Ajay Baraskar. Baraskar has filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Jarange and several of his associates, including Pandurang Tarak, Kishor Bhalande, and Jarange's brother-in-law Vilas Khedkar.

The complaint comes as Jarange is on the 14th day of his hunger strike, with plans to announce his next course of action, including a possible march towards Mumbai. Baraskar, who has been working for Maratha reservation since 2006, alleged that corruption and instability have been taking place in the name of the reservation movement over the past three years.

Baraskar claimed that he has evidence of links to illegal sand mining against those named in the complaint, although he did not provide details of any official findings. He also questioned Jarange's contribution to the SEBC reservation provided by the Devendra Fadnavis government and alleged that Jarange had not clearly explained the outcome of earlier demands raised during the agitation.

The activist also raised questions over Jarange's ongoing hunger strike, alleging that the protest was being repeatedly used as a means of agitation and questioning the circumstances surrounding Jarange's health. Baraskar further questioned the demands being raised by Jarange concerning the Hyderabad Gazette and other documents, asking what research and legal expertise had gone into framing the demands.

Baraskar also alleged that some people close to Jarange had accumulated a lot of wealth during the course of the movement, citing Pandurang Tarak's acquisition of 28 acres of land despite allegedly having no regular employment. He also questioned Jarange's alleged use of an expensive Land Rover Defender, contrasting it with the financial difficulties faced by economically weaker members of the Maratha community.

The allegations come at a crucial stage of the Maratha reservation agitation, with Jarange expected to announce his next course of action soon. The ED has not yet commented on the complaint, and it remains to be seen how the agency will proceed with the investigation.

The Maratha reservation agitation has been ongoing for several years, with the community demanding greater representation in government jobs and education. The movement has seen several protests and demonstrations, including Jarange's current hunger strike.

The allegations of corruption and fraud against Jarange and his associates have raised questions about the legitimacy of the movement and the use of funds collected for the agitation. It remains to be seen how the ED will investigate the complaint and what action will be taken against those accused.

In the meantime, the Maratha community continues to demand greater representation and benefits, with the agitation showing no signs of slowing down. The outcome of the ED investigation and the next course of action for the movement remain to be seen.

The Maratha reservation agitation has been a major issue in Maharashtra politics, with several parties and leaders weighing in on the issue. The allegations against Jarange and his associates have added a new dimension to the debate, with questions being raised about the use of funds and the legitimacy of the movement.

As the investigation proceeds, it remains to be seen what impact the allegations will have on the movement and the community. The Maratha reservation agitation has been a major issue in Maharashtra, and the outcome of the ED investigation will be closely watched by all stakeholders.

In conclusion, the allegations of corruption and fraud against Manoj Jarange-Patil and his associates have raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the Maratha reservation agitation. The ED investigation will be closely watched, and the outcome will have significant implications for the movement and the community.