Supriya Sule moves poll body over claims of using crypto to fund Maharashtra polls

Supriya Sule in her complaint alleged that two individuals attempted to fabricate a fake voice recording of her to lend credibility to their false claims.

In Short

• Allegations involve misuse of bitcoins for election funds
• Supriya Sule says fake voice recordings used by accused
• Seeks registration of FIR day before Maharashtra Assembly elections

Lok Sabha MP and NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader Supriya Sule has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission and the Cyber Cell in Pune, seeking urgent action against individuals allegedly involved in spreading false and defamatory information about her. The allegations include claims that certain bitcoins were misappropriated by Supriya Sule and Nana Patole for election fund disbursements.

According to the complaint, two individuals, purportedly using the names Gaurav Mehta and Ravindranath Patil, a former IPS officer from Pune, have been accused of disseminating fake and malicious information.

The complaint also alleges that these individuals have attempted to fabricate fake voice recordings of Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole to lend credibility to their false claims.

"This amounts to criminal impersonation that too, using digital means, which is a grave offence as it is with an intent to defraud and defame," the complaint said.

Supriya Sule in her complaint mentioned that the allegations surfaced just a night before the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The complaint mentioned that the intention behind the "false story was to spread false and fake information which are corrupt practices under the Representation of People's Act, but also serious cyber offences under the criminal law of the country."

The Baramati MP sought immediate registration of an FIR and a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable the individuals involved in the matter.

Maharashtra will vote for its 288-member Assembly in a single phase on November 20 and the counting of votes will take place on November 23.