Mumbai’s cyber police have taken swift action against a US-based individual, Syed Shuja, filing a First Information Report (FIR) after a video alleging the ability to hack Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) went viral. The complaint, originating from Maharashtra’s Chief Electoral Office, led to the registration of the FIR at the Dakshin Mumbai Cyber Police Station.
The video, which rapidly gained traction on social media, depicts Shuja making audacious claims about compromising the integrity of EVMs by manipulating their frequency. He further asserted the capability to alter election results and, remarkably, claimed access to EVMs used in a vast majority of Maharashtra’s constituencies during the recent 2024 Assembly elections. The video also indicated a price tag for his alleged services, adding another layer of concern to the already sensitive issue.
This isn’t Shuja’s first brush with the law on this matter. According to reports, a similar FIR was filed against him in 2019 for making analogous claims about EVM hacking. Shuja, originally from Kerala, is currently residing in the United States.
The Chief Electoral Office of Maharashtra swiftly responded to the viral video, issuing a strong rebuttal via X (formerly Twitter). They labeled Shuja’s assertions as “false, baseless, and unsubstantiated,” firmly dismissing any possibility of EVM manipulation. This statement reiterated the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) consistent position on the robustness and security of EVMs.
The ECI itself released an official statement reinforcing the tamper-proof nature of their voting machines. They emphasized the impossibility of connecting EVMs to any network—WiFi, Bluetooth, or otherwise—highlighting their inherent security features. The statement further cited the Supreme Court’s repeated affirmations of trust in the integrity of the EVM system.
The case underscores the importance of addressing misinformation related to election processes and highlights the seriousness with which authorities are taking these allegations. The investigation into Shuja’s claims will undoubtedly be closely watched, particularly given the context of the recent Maharashtra Assembly Elections and the ongoing debate surrounding electoral integrity.
