State govt announces SIT to investigate ‘morphed’ video of Shinde Sena leaders

Four persons have been arrested for allegedly circulating the ‘morphed’ and ‘objectionable’ video.

The video shows Mhatre and Surve along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde atop a vehicle at a rally. At one point, Mhatre is seen leaning towards Surve and pecking him on the cheek.

“During discussion in the Assembly this morning about the morphed video issue, the Speaker had directed us to make a statement in the Assembly. To investigate this serious matter, six police teams from the cyber cell and other police officers have been formed. A detailed probe will be conducted to get to the root of this matter to ensure it is not repeated and to curb such crimes. In this case, senior IPS officers will oversee investigation, and an SIT will be set up for further investigation,” Desai said.

Mhatre alleged the video was morphed and was circulated by Shiv Sena (UBT) workers.

During Question Hour on Monday, Shiv Sena MLA Yamini Jadhav raised the issue claiming it was morphed to defame the woman leader. She was joined by BJP MLA Manisha Choudhari and Bharati Lavhekar demanding a probe into the incident. While ruling MLAs continued with the protest, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar adjourned the House proceedings for 10 minutes.

Once the House regrouped, Choudhari demanded a statement from the government. Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar too said that action should be taken if a leader and elected representative has been defamed. Narvekar directed the state government to make a statement on the issue before the end of the proceedings of the day.

In the evening Desai informed the Assembly that four persons had been arrested by Dahisar police. They confiscated four phones and Sim cards from the accused — Ashok Mishra (45), Manas Kuvar (30), Vinayak Davre (26), and Ravindra Chaudhary (34), he said.

“Investigation revealed that the accused edited and morphed the video, and that Davre is the social media state coordinator of the Thackeray group. The video was circulated by him via the Facebook page named Matoshree. The other accused circulated this video via other mediums deliberately and also shared it on Facebook,” Desai said.