After Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday promised a detailed probe into the matter, the crime branch of Mumbai Police have initiated an inquiry in connection with a purported video of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya where he was seen in a compromising position, an official said on Wednesday.
Protesting against the incident in Pune, Shiv Sena (UBT) women's wing staged a protest against Somaiya over the allegedly explicit video.
The Mahila Aghadi members sought action against Somaiya and demanded his expulsion from the BJP.
What did Somaiya say?
In the letter to Fadnavis, Somaiya said, “A Marathi news channel broadcast a video clip of mine. With reference to the clip, multiple allegations have been levelled against me.”
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“Some people claim that there are many such clips of mine. I request you to verify the authenticity of the viral video clip. Many have claimed that I exploited many women. I have never done anything like that. I request you to probe all these allegations,” Somaiya wrote to Fadnavis.
How the Opposition parties reacted?
Leaders of Congress and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena said the video exposes the BJP leader’s character, adding there are many such video clips in existence.
Speaking in the legislative council on Tuesday, Fadnavis said a thorough probe will be conducted into the viral video.
“A thorough probe will be done. No one will be protected. The police will find out the identity of the (aggrieved) woman. Nothing will be brushed under the carpet,” Fadnavis said.
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Ambadas Danve, leader of opposition, and MLC Anil Parab, both from Shiv Sena (UBT) raised the matter in the legislative council.
Danve said the matter should be probed and handed over a pen drive, which he claimed contained the clip, to council deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe.
Gorhe said the woman allegedly linked to the video has not lodged a complaint. She should trust the legislature and come forward to lodge the complaint.
Parab demanded a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter.
“The ruling coalition's character and true face has been exposed. Somaiya blackmailed many MLAs and MPs. Now, we can see that he has even blackmailed a number of women," said Congress MLA Yashomati Thakur.
