Income Tax Department Scrutinises Maratha Agitation Leaders' Finances, Contracts
The Income Tax Department has launched a financial scrutiny of leaders connected to the Maratha reservation agitation, along with their family members and business associates across Maharashtra. The multi-year review covers tax returns, asset valuations, high-value transactions and government contracts awarded to the activists and firms linked to their relatives.
The probe examines bidding patterns, unusual turnover increases, related-party transactions and alleged quid pro quo in contract awards. A private company incorporated in 2023 by a relative of a political figure in the agitation's core team secured government works worth approximately Rs 764 crore within three-and-a-half years, according to allegations raised by political opponents including former associate Ajay Baraskar.
The scrutiny comes days after Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil called off his 12th protest and suspended a proposed march to Mumbai. Jarange Patil has been demanding Kunbi (OBC) certificates for eligible members of the Maratha community based on historical records.
