MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into an alleged plot to falsely implicate Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in fabricated criminal cases during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government's tenure.

The SIT, headed by Mumbai Police Joint Commissioner (Law and Order) Satyanarayan Chaudhary, includes key members such as Rajiv Jain, Deputy Inspector General of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) in Mumbai; Deputy Commissioner of Police Navnath Dhawale; and Assistant Commissioner of Police Adikrao Pol.

The investigation was triggered by BJP leader Pravin Darekar’s claims during the winter session of the Maharashtra assembly in December 2024. Darekar alleged that there was a deliberate effort to frame Fadnavis and Shinde in false cases, involving certain police officials acting under political pressure from the then MVA government.

The SIT has been assigned to conduct a thorough investigation into the accusations, review all related complaints, and present their findings and recommendations to the state government.

This move comes after months of political discussions about the alleged abuse of power during the MVA’s rule, which was a coalition of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar.

The fall of the MVA government and the formation of the BJP-Shinde alliance government were marked by intense political drama, including accusations of betrayal and covert negotiations. This shift further complicated Maharashtra's already turbulent political landscape, with frequent changes in power dynamics in recent years.

The Mumbai Police Commissioner has been tasked with providing the SIT with the necessary resources, including manpower and technical assistance, to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.

The SIT has also been instructed to consider statements made by legislators during assembly debates as part of their inquiry. MLAs wishing to submit additional evidence or raise further concerns related to the case can do so. The SIT has been asked to complete the investigation within 30 days.