The Enforcement Directorate’s swift raids in connection with the “crypto funds for Maharashtra polls” scam have sparked controversy, with critics alleging a deliberate attempt to influence the political climate as Maharashtra heads to the polls. This rapid action has added fuel to accusations of selective targeting, muddying the waters of an already contentious election season.
By PC Bureau
Acting swiftly as Maharashtra went to the polls on Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the Raipur residence of Gaurav Mehta, an employee of an audit firm. The raids are part of an investigation into the alleged “crypto funds for Maharashtra polls” scam, highlighting concerns over illicit financial practices during the election.
Gaurav Mehta’s name came under the spotlight after former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil named him as a key witness in the 2018 cryptocurrency fraud case. Patil alleged that Supriya Sule and state Congress chief Nana Patole misappropriated bitcoins from the 2018 case and used the same fund to influence the outcome of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The The ED’s swift action, coming within hours of allegations surfacing in the “crypto funds for Maharashtra polls” scam, has raised questions of impartiality. Critics argue that similar alacrity is rarely seen when Opposition parties expose scams or level allegations against officials perceived to be aligned with the BJP. This selective approach has fueled accusations of bias, further intensifying the political friction as Maharashtra goes to the polls.
Sule has dismissed the claims as baseless. Meanwhile, her uncle and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has promised a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Ajit Pawar, addressing the media on Wednesday morning, assured that the Maharashtra government would probe the allegations against his cousin, Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. “An inquiry will be conducted, and the truth will come before the people,” he said.
These remarks emerge amidst the deepening split within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), now divided into two factions—one helmed by Ajit Pawar and the other by Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule.
The allegations stem from retired IPS officer Ravindranath Patil, who accused Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole of participating in a cryptocurrency fraud dating back to 2018. Patil claimed the funds from these transactions were used to finance election campaigns.
