Shirsat seeks SIT probe against AIMIM netas; Jaleel hits back with graft allegations

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: State social justice minister and Sambhajinagar guardian minister Sanjay Shirsat has written to CM Devendra Fadnavis seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged involvement of AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel and former MP Syed Imtiaz Jaleel in the Nashik TCS-linked case, sparking a sharp political face-off.In his letter dated May 9, Shirsat called for a detailed SIT inquiry into the case, stating that several doubts and public discussions had arisen regarding the alleged role of certain political figures and their associates. He specifically mentioned speculation surrounding AIMIM politicians, including Jaleel and Patel, and stressed the need for a fair and transparent investigation to maintain public trust and establish the truth.The minister, in his letter written in Marathi, said an SIT probe would ensure impartiality and facilitate action against those found guilty. He urged the CM to take immediate steps given the seriousness of the allegations.Responding swiftly after the letter surfaced, AIMIM’s Syed Imtiaz Jaleel shared a copy on social media platform X and launched a strong counterattack. He challenged Shirsat to first seek high-level probes into allegations related to his own assets and business dealings.In his post, Jaleel said he was ready to face any inquiry, provided Shirsat also wrote to the CM demanding investigations into alleged disproportionate assets, the purchase of a hotel and purported irregularities in the transfer of govt land originally allotted to dalit families but allegedly linked to the minister’s son.Jaleel further alleged that land reserved for a truck terminal in Shendra was acquired after changes in reservation status and later allotted again to Shirsat’s son. He also raised questions about the reported conversion of industrial land use into warehouse construction.The former MP additionally called for probes into properties allegedly purchased in Nashik and near the district court, as well as other assets said to be held in the names of Shirsat’s family members.