BJP Alleges ‘Bitcoin Scam’ Against MVA Leaders Ahead Of Maharashtra Polls; Supriya Sule Denies, Files Complaint
Mumbai: On the eve of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, a political storm erupted after former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil accused Baramati MP Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole of involvement in a massive bitcoin scam. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized the moment, releasing audio clips they claim implicate the two leaders in using misappropriated bitcoins from a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud to fund the elections.
During a press conference on Tuesday, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi presented the audio clips, alleging that they revealed a conspiracy to manipulate the election process. “These clips show clear evidence of their involvement in this bitcoin scam,” Trivedi claimed. However, the authenticity of the clips has not been independently verified.
Sule Dismisses Allegations, Challenges BJP to Debate
Reacting to the allegations, Supriya Sule expressed disbelief at what she described as the BJP’s desperate tactics. “I am amused at how low they are willing to stoop,” she said. Sule challenged Trivedi to a public debate, posting on social media platform X:
“I deny all the allegations levelled against me by Sudhanshu Trivedi. This is nothing but conjecture and innuendo. I am ready for a debate with any BJP representative at a time and date of their choice, in a public forum.”
Complaint Filed Against Allegations:
Sule has filed a criminal complaint with the Election Commission and Pune’s Cyber Cell against the accusations, describing them as baseless and defamatory. She announced plans to pursue both civil and criminal defamation charges against Trivedi.
“This is a blatant attempt to mislead the public on the eve of elections,” Sule said. “Mr. Trivedi will face legal consequences for spreading outright falsehoods.”
Former IPS Officer’s Claims:
Ravindranath Patil, the former IPS officer who made the allegations, stated that bitcoins misappropriated in 2018 during a cryptocurrency fraud investigation were used to fund the elections. He named Amitabh Gupta, then Pune Police Commissioner, and Bhagyashri Nautake, a former deputy commissioner of police, as being involved in the alleged misuse of the funds.
Patil declared his willingness to cooperate with an investigation into the matter, further intensifying the political drama.
The allegations and subsequent reactions have added a sharp edge to the electoral battle in Maharashtra, with both sides trading accusations of impropriety. As voting begins, the controversy is likely to remain a major talking point.
