Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024: Whistleblower demands Rs 52 crore to tamper with evms for MP
Mumbai: With Maharashtra gearing up for elections on November 20, a self-proclaimed cyber expert, Syed Shuja, has once again raised allegations of EVM tampering. Shuja claims he can hack Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) using technology from the US Department of Defence, where he once worked as a contractor.
According to a report in India Today, Shuja disclosed his capabilities to a journalist posing as the PA of a Member of Parliament. He claimed access to 281 out of 288 constituencies and claimed he could manipulate EVM results in 63 seats if provided with VVPAT details.
Shuja stated that his method involves intercepting transmissions on polling day to replace the Election Commission’s file with one of his own. Despite EVMs being powered off, he claimed the transmissions would continue, enabling tampering. Shuja reportedly demanded $6 million (approximately Rs 52 crore) for his services.
This isn’t the first instance of Shuja making such claims. In 2019, he alleged EVM hacking during the 2014 elections that saw the BJP’s resounding victory. He also accused the BJP of orchestrating the killing of Gopinath Munde for knowing too much about EVM tampering.
The Election Commission has consistently denied allegations of EVM manipulation. Last month, the Commission dismissed claims of irregularities during the Haryana elections, describing the accusations as unfounded and warning against attempts to undermine electoral integrity.
As Maharashtra heads to polls amid these allegations, parties like Shiv Sena, NCP, BJP, and Congress vie for dominance in a politically fractured state.
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Bengaluru: Commercial building fire brought under control, two rescued
Bengaluru (PTI): A fire broke out in a multi-storey commercial building here on Friday evening, following which two people who were trapped on the terrace were safely rescued, officials said.
The incident occurred at around 5.30 pm at a commercial building located on Coles Road, they said.
However, no casualties were reported, officials added.
According to officials, the blaze started on the terrace, where a pantry and storeroom are located. The situation led to panic as the building is located adjacent to a petrol bunk, raising fears of a possible explosion.
Two people trapped on the terrace due to the fire were rescued by a police team along with Fire and Emergency Services personnel, a senior police officer said.
Four fire tenders were pressed into service, and after nearly an hour of intense firefighting, the blaze was brought under control.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
