Suspect in Jarange Assassination Plot Firmly Denies Involvement, Volunteers for Narco Test
In a dramatic development from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amol Khune, one of the individuals arrested in connection with an alleged conspiracy to assassinate prominent Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, has categorically denied any role in the plot. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Khune went so far as to volunteer to undergo a narco analysis test to prove his innocence in the high-profile case.
"Ready to Accept Punishment if Guilty," Says Former Jarange Associate
"If the test proves I am involved, I am ready to accept punishment. But if Jarange keeps making allegations, I will be forced to reveal facts about his quota movement," Khune declared emphatically. The suspect, who was once a close associate of Jarange, issued this statement while addressing the media, adding a new layer of tension to the ongoing investigation.
Khune and another co-accused were originally arrested by the Jalna police in November of last year on charges of allegedly plotting to eliminate Jarange, a key figure in the Maratha reservation movement. After spending months in custody, Khune was recently released on bail just a few days ago. However, his freedom was short-lived as Jarange promptly met with Jalna Superintendent of Police Ajaykumar Bansal, demanding the cancellation of Khune's bail and calling for a fresh, thorough probe into the matter.
Allegations of Betrayal and Political Manipulation Surface
In his defense, Khune vehemently denied all allegations against him, recounting his long-standing association with Jarange that dates back to 2010. "I had been associated with Jarange since 2010 and had worked with him in the Shivba Sanghatna," he stated, highlighting their shared history in the activist organization.
Khune further alleged that he had previously acted on Jarange's orders in a separate incident, attacking the accused in the Kopardi case. "On Jarange's orders, we attacked the accused in the Kopardi case. I and four others served our sentence and returned. During that time, Jarange offered no help. In fact, he managed lawyers in a way that worsened our case," he claimed, suggesting a pattern of betrayal and neglect by the activist.
He also spoke of the significant hardship his family endured while he was incarcerated, painting a picture of personal suffering amid the legal turmoil. Pointing to what he called inconsistencies in the accusations, Khune alleged that Jarange's allegations were politically motivated. "Jarange is levelling allegations at someone's political direction," he asserted, implying external influence behind the claims.
This case continues to unfold, with Khune's offer of a narco test and threats to expose details about the quota movement adding fresh intrigue to an already contentious situation, raising questions about loyalty, justice, and the underlying dynamics of the Maratha reservation struggle.
