Maharashtra: Manoj Jarange Patil Alleges I-T Scrutiny Of Maratha Agitation Supporters Is ‘Revenge’; Officials Say Routine Process

Mumbai, September 23, 2026 - Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil claims that supporters, relatives and associates connected to the Maratha agitation are facing Income Tax scrutiny and administrative investigations as "revenge" for backing poorer members during the reservation movement. However, Income Tax officials dismiss these allegations, describing the scrutiny as a routine process, with cases being selected based on their routine risk-assessment procedures.

Manoj Jarange Patil, currently recovering from a hunger strike at a private hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, questioned the basis of the scrutiny and demanded answers regarding whether financially well-off members of the community were not also entitled to support poorer Marathas. He also questioned whether political pressure, specifically from MLAs aligned with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, played a role in the inquiries against protesters.

The activist alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had convened a Cabinet meeting to strategize against the Maratha community following the resignation of several key figures, and that ministers subsequently called and threatened community members. He emphasized that the government's tenure is temporary and that the Maratha community would respond politically during the upcoming elections.

Income Tax officials refute these claims, stating that the scrutiny is part of their regular assessment process and not an act of retaliation. They explained that cases were selected based on automated risk-assessment systems that flag high-value transactions involving possible irregularities in capital structures and cash flows between related entities.

According to the officials, any irregularities found would be investigated in the normal manner, with the firm having an opportunity to explain the transaction and present their case, and further action would depend on the findings from the assessment of available documents.