Pune Residents Seek Criminal Case Against Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Over Alleged Discrepancies In Election Affidavits

The complaint claimed that Shinde did not disclose information about purchase of farmland in his wife's name in his affidavit for the 2009 and 2014 Assembly elections, among other things. The complaint claimed that this farmland was mentioned in Shinde's affidavit for the 2019 elections as having been purchased in 2006.

Dr. Abhishek Haridas and Abhijit Khedkar filed the complaint through advocate Sameer Shaikh. The complaint has pleaded that a criminal case against Shinde be registered under sections 199 (false statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence) and 200 (Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false) of the IPC. Sections of the Representation of People Act have also been invoked in the complaint.

The complainants have alleged that there are several discrepancies in Shinde's affidavits filed before the state election commission for the 2009 and 2014 elections. Some of these discrepancies came to light due to his 2019 election affidavit, according to the complaint. The complainants also alleged that there are discrepancies in the cost of vehicles mentioned in various election affidavits.

The matter has been posted in the court of Additional chief judicial magistrate T M Ahmed for August 17, 2022. The court will deal with verification of documents and evidence in the case on 17^th August.