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Maharashtra Poll Funding: Key Leaders Named in Cash-for-Votes Controversy

November 20, 2024, 3:51 pm

The “Bitcoin cash-for-votes” controversy in Maharashtra’s 2024 Assembly elections involves allegations of misappropriating bitcoins from a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud to fund election campaigns. Key figures implicated include Supriya Sule of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole.

2018 Cryptocurrency Fraud Case: A significant cryptocurrency scam was uncovered, leading to the arrest of individuals, including Amit Bharadwaj. During the investigation, a cryptocurrency hardware wallet was seized.

Allegations by Ravindranath Patil: On November 19, 2024, former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil alleged that the seized cryptocurrency wallet was replaced under the supervision of then Pune Police Commissioner Amitabh Gupta and Deputy Commissioner Bhagyashri Nautake. Patil claimed that bitcoins from this wallet were misappropriated and used by Supriya Sule and Nana Patole to fund their election campaigns. He also mentioned possessing voice notes from Gaurav Mehta, an employee of Sarathi Associates, implicating Sule in directing the encashment of bitcoins for election purposes.

Denials and Legal Actions: Both Supriya Sule and Nana Patole denied the allegations. Sule filed defamation and criminal cases, stating, “All the allegations are completely false. All lies.” Patole also dismissed the claims, asserting, “I am a farming man; I don’t even understand Bitcoin.” He announced plans to file defamation suits against those making the allegations.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) Involvement: On November 20, 2024, the ED conducted raids at the premises of Gaurav Mehta in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, in connection with the alleged bitcoin scam. These actions were part of a broader investigation into the misuse of cryptocurrencies for electoral funding.

Election Commission’s Role: The Election Commission of India received a cybercrime complaint from Supriya Sule regarding the allegations. The Commission is expected to monitor the situation closely, given the potential implications for electoral integrity.

Implications:

Electoral Integrity: If proven, the misuse of illicit funds for election campaigns undermines democratic processes and raises concerns about the fairness of the electoral system.

Political Repercussions: The allegations have intensified political tensions in Maharashtra, with parties accusing each other of corruption and unethical practices.

Regulatory Scrutiny: The case highlights the challenges regulators face in monitoring and controlling the use of cryptocurrencies, especially concerning illicit activities.

Also read: Chhattisgarh ED Raids Link Bitcoin Scam to Maharashtra Polls

As investigations continue, the full extent of the alleged scam and its impact on the Maharashtra Assembly elections remain to be seen.

Chhattisgarh ED Raids Link Bitcoin Scam to Maharashtra Polls

November 20, 2024, 3:34 pm

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Wednesday at the premises of Gaurav Mehta, an employee of audit firm Sarathi Associates, in connection with an alleged bitcoin scam. The searches were carried out in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

The raids follow a cybercrime complaint filed by Supriya Sule, a Member of Parliament from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), with the Election Commission of India. The complaint alleged the use of bitcoin to fund the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections and targeted Gaurav Mehta and former Indian Police Service officer Ravindranath Patil from Pune.

On the eve of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Ravindranath Patil alleged that Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole had misappropriated bitcoins from a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud case and used them to fund the elections. Speaking to ANI, Patil accused Amitabh Gupta, the then Commissioner of Police, Pune, and Bhagyashri Nautake, the then Deputy Commissioner of Police handling cybercrime investigations, of being involved in the misappropriation.

“My company called me as a cryptocurrency expert to investigate a case in 2018. I was arrested in that case in 2022 under allegations of fraud. I spent 14 months in jail after a trial. During that time, I was wondering what had happened, what the case was, and why I was trapped. There were other colleagues also with me. We were working on finding out the truth. A witness against us, Gaurav Mehta, who is an employee of an audit firm named Sarathi Associates,” Patil stated.

“A day before yesterday, he called me multiple times for 4-5 hours, but I did not respond. Finally, when I responded, he told me that in 2018, when Amit Bharadwaj was arrested, he had a cryptocurrency hardware wallet. That wallet was replaced by the then Commissioner Amitabh Gupta, and another wallet was kept. We were arrested, but the real perpetrators were Amitabh Gupta and his team. He (Gaurav Mehta) took the names of two IPS officers, Amitabh Gupta and Bhagyashri Nautake. He took two people’s names, one is Supriya Sule and the other is Nana Patole. He then told me that in this assembly election, bitcoins are being used,” Patil alleged further.

Patil also claimed to have voice notes allegedly sent by Gaurav Mehta. “Supriya Sule has sent three voice note messages in which she is heard asking Gaurav to encash bitcoins as the funds are needed for the elections. She is also heard assuring him not to worry about the inquiries and once they come to power, they will handle them,” Patil added.

However, Supriya Sule refuted all allegations, calling them completely false. Sule said, “I have filed a defamation case and a criminal case. I am ready to answer his (Sudhanshu Trivedi’s) five questions wherever he wants—time of his choice, place of his choice, and platform of his choice. I am ready to answer him because all the allegations are completely false. All lies.”

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole also denied the allegations and claimed that the voice in the purported audio clips mentioned by Ravindra Patil was not his. “The IPS officer brought by BJP, Ravindra Patil, is not even an IPS officer. BJP has become a party of lies. On the eve of elections, they are doing all this. My voice is not there in the audio. I am a farming man; I don’t even understand Bitcoin,” Patole stated.

“We have given a legal notice and filed an FIR. We will also file a defamation case against them. Be it Sudhanshu Trivedi or Ravindra Patil. Everything will be clear soon. BJP is only lying. We will fight them legally. I have nothing to do with this. We will file defamation. Our government is going to be formed in Maharashtra, and we will conduct a proper inquiry into this,” he added.

Also read: “Signifies Unity…”: Nitin Gadkari Explains ‘Batenge To Katenge’ Amid Polls

Meanwhile, both the BJP and NCP have demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Ravindra Patil.

“Ready to Answer Sudhanshu Trivedi’s 5 Questions”: Supriya Sule on Alleged Cryptocurrency Fraud Case

November 20, 2024, 10:51 am

NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule responded on Wednesday, stating that she is ready to address the five questions raised by BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi regarding her alleged involvement in a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud case. Sule told, “I am prepared to answer his five questions at a time, place, and platform of his choice. All the allegations are completely false, and I am ready to clarify them.”

On Tuesday, Trivedi raised several questions about Sule’s purported role in the cryptocurrency fraud, which former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil claims also involved Sule and Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole. In a press conference, Trivedi asked, “First, were you involved in bitcoin transactions? Second, are you in contact with individuals named Gaurav Gupta or Mehta? Third, are those chats attributed to your leaders? Fourth, is the voice in the audio clips yours? Fifth, who are the ‘big people’ mentioned?”

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Sule’s brother, said he recognized his sister’s voice in the audio clips allegedly tied to the fraud case and promised an investigation. Pawar stated, “The voices in the audio clips belong to my sister and another person I have worked closely with. I can identify their tones. An inquiry will be conducted, and everything will be clarified.”

The allegations were brought forward by Ravindranath Patil, a former IPS officer from Pune, who claims Sule and Patole misappropriated bitcoins from the 2018 cryptocurrency fraud and used the funds to finance the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections. Patil has expressed his willingness to cooperate with any investigation. He also accused Amitabh Gupta, the former Commissioner of Police in Pune, and Bhagyashri Nautake, the former Deputy Commissioner of Police handling cybercrime cases, of being involved in the misappropriation of the bitcoins.

These allegations come amid the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections, which are being held today, November 20.

“CM Mamata will take action quickly”: Supriya Sule on doctor rape, murder case

August 13, 2024, 3:42 pm

In response to the alleged sexual assault of a second-year post-graduate student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule has expressed strong condemnation of the incident.

Sule has voiced confidence that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will act swiftly to ensure justice for the victim’s family. “Such incidents are deplorable and occur across the country. We trust that Mamata Banerjee will respond promptly, and the family will receive justice through a fast-track court. Although we couldn’t prevent this tragedy, we must work to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” Sule stated.

In contrast, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized the handling of the case, accusing the Bengal government of shielding the accused. “The protection afforded to the perpetrators is more troubling than the crime itself. The reappointment of the RG Kar Principal to another institution within 24 hours raises serious doubts about the Bengal government’s investigation,” Trivedi alleged. He further questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s stance, suggesting a possible manipulation of the investigation. “Why has there been such a delay? Is it for manipulation? We have seen similar issues in the Sandeshkhali case. Why is this not being handled by the CBI?” Trivedi demanded.

Earlier today, doctors and medical students staged a protest at AIIMS Delhi, following a call for a nationwide OPD shutdown by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA). The protest, in solidarity with the victim, highlights growing concerns over safety and security for medical professionals, especially women. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged Union Minister JP Nadda for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances that allowed the crime to occur and called for measures to enhance the safety of doctors in their workplaces.

The post-graduate trainee doctor was discovered raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

Maharashtra MP Supriya Sule’s WhatsApp Hacked, $400 Demanded

August 12, 2024, 3:35 pm

Baramati MP and NCP (SCP) Working President Supriya Sule announced on social media that her WhatsApp account was hacked on Sunday. The hacker demanded $400 to restore access.

Supriya was at a party event in Daund tehsil when she realized her account had been compromised. “I received a message from a known number and replied, only to discover my account was hacked,” she explained. The hacker then sent a message to one of her team members, demanding the ransom.

Upon discovering the issue, Supriya immediately shut down her phone and reported the incident to the Pune rural police. Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh stated that they found her account active on another device and quickly restored it.

Supriya shared that a team member’s WhatsApp was also hacked, with messages sent to over 20 contacts from their account. Despite the breach, other applications on her phone remained secure.

She cautioned others to be vigilant about such hacking attempts, emphasizing, “Do not respond to messages from unknown numbers.”

The police are investigating to uncover how the hack occurred and who was behind it. “We will probe how the suspects gained control of her WhatsApp,” Deshmukh said.

Supriya expressed hope that the investigation will reveal more details about the hacking incident.

CCTVs Turned Off For 45 Mins: NCP (SP) Alleges Wrongdoing At Warehouse Storing Baramati EVMs

May 13, 2024, 4:41 pm

Leader of the NCP (SP), Supriya Sule, expressed grave worries on Monday regarding the safety of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Baramati, where she is running for a seat in the Lok Sabha against Sunetra Pawar, the cousin and wife of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. Supriya Sule said on social media that the security cameras at the warehouse where the electronic voting machines were kept after the vote were turned off for forty-five minutes earlier today.

After the polling of Baramati Lok Sabha Constituency, the CCTV in a godown where the EVMs are kept was switched off for 45 minutes this morning. It is suspicious that the CCTV is switched off where a very important thing like EVM is kept. Also, this is a big lapse,” Sule posted on X (formerly Twitter).

बारामती लोकसभा मतदारसंघाचे मतदान पार पडल्यानंतर त्या इव्हिएम ज्या गोडावूनमध्ये ठेवल्या आहेत, तेथील सीसीटिव्ही आज सकाळी ४५ मिनिटे बंद पडले होते. इव्हिएमसारखी अतिशय महत्वाची गोष्ट जेथे ठेवलेली आहे, तेथील सीसीटिव्ही बंद पडणे ही बाब संशयास्पद आहे. तसेच हा खुप मोठा हलगर्जीपणा देखील… pic.twitter.com/8HmqR2icHn

— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) May 13, 2024

When the election representatives contacted the concerned authorities and administration, no satisfactory answers were received. Apart from this, the technician is also not available at the said place,” she added.

Supriya Sule alleged that her election representatives were not being allowed to inspect the status of the EVMs stored there.

“The Election Commission should immediately take notice of this and disclose the reasons why the CCTV was closed. Apart from this, appropriate action should be taken against those responsible for the incident,” the NCP leader of Sharad Pawar faction said.

Laxmikant Khabiya, the election representative of Baramati candidate Supriya Sule, alleged that the CCTVs were turned off between 10.30 am and 11.15 am at the Food Corporation of India’s godown, where the EVMs from the constituency are stored.

“Election officials told us that the CCTVs will function round the clock. Our party representatives are deployed to keep a watch. On Monday, we received an alert that the CCTVs were turned off for nearly 45 minutes. We tried to raise the issue with the police. The administration has come up with a clarification, but we will submit an application to the returning officer of Baramati,” Khabiya said.

Polls Should Be Conducted With Truth, Transparency, Says Supriya Sule

May 7, 2024, 2:33 pm

After casting her vote in the third phase of the election at Baramati, a member of the parliament and the candidate Supriya Sule had emphasized on peaceful and transparent election.

While addressing the media, she also talked about the importance of upholding democratic principles and conducting free and fair election.

“In a strong democracy, the Constitution should be kept at the centre and elections should be conducted with truth and transparency in the country. The third phase of voting is ongoing, and it should be done peacefully,” said Sule.

About Baramati Constituency

Baramati has long been a bastion of the Pawar family. However, the competition in Baramati has intensified with the recent split of the NCP party.

Sunetra Pawar, the wife of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket against her sister-in-law, NCP-SP candidate Supriya Sule. It is crucial to note, that the NCP-SP candidate has consecutively won three times.

So, in this constituency, Sule is seeking her fourth term after defeating BJP’s Kanchan Rahul Kul in the 2019 election, where she received 686,714 votes, amounting to 52.63 percent.

Supriya Sule Casts Her Vote In Baramati

May 7, 2024, 10:54 am

As the voting commences in Baramati Lok Sabha Constituency for Lok Sabha election, NCP-SCP MP chief and candidate Supriya Sule cast her vote.

Afterward, she displayed her inked finger upon exiting the polling station in Baramati. Thus, signifying the importance of voting and civic duty through her participation.

NCP-SCP MP and candidate from Baramati Lok Sabha seat, Supriya Sule shows her inked finger after casting her vote at a polling station in Baramati, Maharashtra for the #LokSabhaElections2024

NCP has fielded Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar from… pic.twitter.com/7OrNEQgmD2

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2024

The four-time chief minister of Maharashtra and the NCP-SP patriarch Sharad Pawar also casted his vote along with his daughter.

Meanwhile, Baramati, being a stronghold of Pawars, is witnessing stiff fight between two factions of the family. The NCP led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has fielded his wife, Sunetra Pawar as the candidate. Who also casted their vote at Katewadi, Baramati.

While the incumbent MP Supriya Sule too is expected to put up a great fight in the Pune District’s constituency.

About The Constituency

Baramati is divided into six Assembly segment which enjoys the voter base of 23,72,668. Historically, it has witnessed a triangular fight between or seen a split in victory between NCP, Congress and BJP.

But this time, the domination of Pawars in Baramati and Indapur is under contention due to the split of the party. Thus, hinting at the potential division of votes.

The prospects of incumbent MP Supriya Sule’s support depend upon the support from Bhor and Purandar as they are congress’s stronghold.

But places like Daund and Khadakwasla to present a challenge as these seats are BJP-held.

Lok Sabha Election: Sunetra w/o Ajit Pawar offers prayer before filing nomination against Supriya Sule

April 18, 2024, 9:18 am

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar accompanied by his wife and NCP candidate Sunetra Pawar in offering prayers at Pune’s Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple. Sunetra Pawar is set to file her nomination today, and Ajit Pawar stood by her side in support.

#WATCH | Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar along with his wife and NCP candidate from Baramati, Sunetra Pawar offer prayers at Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple, in Pune.

She will file her nomination today against NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule. pic.twitter.com/bXu4iAyJQJ

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2024

With her nomination filing today, Sunetra Pawar, the NCP candidate from Baramati, said it’s a big day for her. In order to receive Lord Bappa’s blessings, they went there and made prayers.

Accompanying his wife Sunetra, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar offered prayer and said “I have prayed to Lord Bappa that when PM Modi will be elected for the third time there should be a major contribution from Maharashtra and that maximum Mahayuti candidates from Maharashtra shall get elected…We have decided that whenever any candidate of Mahayuti will file their nomination, the CM and Deputy CM will try to remain present, we have called everyone to be present today but there is nothing like ‘Shakti Pradarshan’…”

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar says "I have prayed to Lord Bappa that when PM Modi will be elected for the third time there should be a major contribution from Maharashtra and that maximum Mahayuti candidates from Maharashtra shall get elected…We have decided that whenever… pic.twitter.com/fjDNMzpgV2

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2024

In Pune district’s Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, Sunetra Pawar, representing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is competing against her sister-in-law, Supriya Sule, the incumbent member of parliament. Sule, who is Sharad Pawar’s daughter, is running as an NCP candidate (Sharadchandra Pawar).

On Wednesday, he appealed for backing for his wife in the Lok Sabha elections and conveyed a message to the voters of Baramati, expressing a transition from seeking votes for his sister to now seeking support for his wife. During a rally, Ajit Pawar indirectly remarked about Supriya Sule, the daughter of Sharad Pawar and his cousin, stating, “if someone comes to you and takes my name, give her good treatment but if she takes the name of the opposition camp give them such injection that…

However, before he could have spoken something wrong he changed the line.”

The electoral contest for the Baramati Lok Sabha seat presents an intriguing battle between sisters-in-law, as Sharad Pawar nominated his daughter Supriya Sule from his political stronghold.

Ajit Pawar further remarked, “In the last 10 years, I have been soliciting votes for the current MP of Baramati, Supriya Sule, but now I am seeking votes for my wife. I have observed that in the past decade, significant projects from the Center have not been allocated to the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency because constant criticism of the Prime Minister discourages the flow of central projects to your constituency.”

Addressing the rally, Ajit Pawar urged, “You have elected Sharad Pawar’s daughter 3 times, now elect his daughter-in-law.”

Last week, Ajit Pawar appealed for support for his wife, emphasizing that the voters have elected his uncle Sharad Pawar’s daughter three times, but now they should elect his daughter-in-law.

The elections for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be conducted in five phases from April 19 to May 20. In Baramati, polling is scheduled for May 7.

Next Opposition INDIA alliance meeting in Delhi, claims Supriya Sule

September 1, 2023, 6:33 pm

After the completion of the third meeting in Mumbai on Friday, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule said that the next crucial meeting of the Opposition INDIA alliance will be convened in the national capital.

When asked where the next INDIA alliance meeting will be held, NCP MP Supriya Sule replied, “In Delhi.” When questioned again about dates for the meeting, she said, “When do you (media persons) want it to be held, we will hold it on those dates.”

The two-day meeting of the INDIA alliance concluded today.