Sun Dec 01 09:40:49 UTC 2024: ## Mumbai Cyber Police Files Case Over Viral EVM Hacking Video Amidst Opposition Claims

**Mumbai, December 2, 2024** – Mumbai cyber police have registered a cheating case following a viral video depicting an individual allegedly outlining a plan to manipulate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The complaint was filed by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra after the video surfaced online in the wake of the recent state assembly elections, which saw a resounding victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti.

The video shows a man, identified as Syed Shuja, claiming he can hack EVMs by isolating their frequency. He allegedly details the cost and manpower required to influence election results in specific constituencies, mentioning access to a significant number of seats and the technical challenges involved in certain areas. Shuja also claimed to have access to a specific application that can scan areas and isolate EVM frequencies, noting the similarity between police radio and EVM frequencies.

The FIR, registered under sections 318/4 of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS), 2023, and clauses 43(g) and 66(d) of the IT Act, 2000, follows a complaint from the Maharashtra CEO’s office. The office emphasized that EVMs are standalone machines incapable of network connection, rendering manipulation impossible. They cited multiple Supreme Court rulings affirming the EVMs’ integrity and pointed to FAQs on their website addressing public concerns. It was also revealed that a similar complaint against Shuja was filed in 2019, alleging he claimed to be part of the EVM design team and could hack the machines. Shuja is currently believed to be residing in another country.

The Election Commission has stated that anyone making false claims or spreading misinformation regarding EVMs will face strict criminal action. This comes amidst opposition parties, including the Congress, questioning the use of EVMs after the election results. A meeting between the opposition and the Election Commission is scheduled for Tuesday. The BJP has criticized the opposition for blaming EVMs instead of introspecting on their electoral performance.

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