NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule, and daughter of Sharad Pawar, has refuted the BJP’s allegations linking her to an alleged “cryptocurrency scam.” She dismissed the audio clip presented by BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi as fake, asserting it does not contain her voice. Sule has also initiated legal action by sending a defamation notice to Trivedi.
Sule Takes Legal Action Against Allegations
Speaking after casting her vote in Baramati, Sule stated that upon receiving the recordings from media outlets, she immediately contacted the Pune Police Commissioner and lodged a cybercrime complaint. She described the recordings as “lies and fake” and called for a thorough investigation.
“I have sent a criminal defamation notice to Sudhanshu Trivedi. I am ready to answer his questions anytime, anywhere,” she said, expressing confidence in her innocence.
Sharad Pawar Defends Sule, Ajit Pawar Seeks Probe
Veteran NCP leader Sharad Pawar defended his daughter, criticizing the BJP for using unreliable sources to make baseless allegations. “The person who made these allegations was jailed for several months. Only BJP can indulge in such tactics,” he said.
However, Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Sule’s cousin, took a different stance. He confirmed that one of the voices in the audio clip belonged to Sule and called for an investigation into the matter.
BJP’s Claims and the ‘Bitcoin Scam’
The BJP leveled these allegations based on the claims of retired police officer Ravindranath Patil, who accused Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole of using funds from a cryptocurrency fraud for the state’s 2018 Assembly elections.
During a press conference, BJP shared an audio clip purportedly featuring Sule and chats involving Patil. The alleged conversation detailed a transaction involving the conversion of bitcoins into cash.
Retired Officer’s Allegations Against Sule and Congress
Ravindranath Patil, a former IPS officer, claimed he was hired in 2018 as a cryptocurrency expert for an investigation but was later arrested on fraud charges, spending 14 months in jail. Patil stated that a key witness, Gaurav Mehta, shared evidence implicating Sule, Patole, and others in the case.
“The 2018 investigation uncovered details of a cryptocurrency fraud. I now understand I was falsely implicated,” Patil alleged, adding that Mehta revealed further details about the fraud and named Sule in the process.
Sule’s Challenge to BJP
Sule has remained resolute, challenging the BJP to engage in a public debate or investigation. She emphasized her willingness to cooperate with any inquiry to prove her innocence.
