India, Oct. 22 -- Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar on Thursday termed an audio clip released by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange as "fake and fabricated", denied any BJP connection to the alleged conversation and called for a thorough investigation into its authenticity and circulation.

The clip purportedly refers to a payment of Rs 500 crore to Jarange. The activist had alleged a conspiracy to silence him and derail the Maratha reservation agitation, claiming the money was routed through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde.

Speaking to reporters, Shelar said the recording had not been authenticated and appeared to have been manipulated using technology. He maintained that neither the BJP nor any of its senior or responsible leaders had ...