An Indian national has been indicted in the United States for allegedly making a false claim of American citizenship in order to vote in the 2024 US general election. Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari is accused of knowingly misrepresenting his citizenship status when he participated in the November 5, 2024, election, according to the US Department of Justice. A federal grand jury in Minnesota returned a two-count indictment against Chaudhari on Thursday, the Justice Department said. The indictment alleges that Chaudhari knowingly made a false claim of United States citizenship and used that claim to vote in the general election.

The case concerns conduct surrounding the election and the legal certification that voters in Minnesota are required to complete before casting their ballots. According to the indictment, Chaudhari signed a voter signature certificate required under Minnesota law on or about November 5, 2024. The document requires individuals participating in the election to swear or affirm that they are citizens of the United States. Prosecutors allege that Chaudhari was not a US citizen at the time he signed the certificate but nevertheless made the required citizenship declaration. The indictment further alleges that Chaudhari knew the statement he made on the voter certification was false.

Despite allegedly knowing that he was not a US citizen, he is accused of signing the document in order to vote in the general election. The Justice Department said the charges were brought after a federal grand jury reviewed the allegations. The indictment itself is a formal accusation and does not constitute a finding of guilt against Chaudhari. Voting eligibility in US elections is governed by federal and state laws, with citizenship being a fundamental requirement for participating in federal elections. Minnesota law also requires voters to complete eligibility certifications as part of the voting process. By signing the voter certificate, an individual affirms that the information provided, including the citizenship requirement, is accurate.

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Authorities allege that Chaudhari violated the law by knowingly making a false citizenship claim in connection with his vote. The allegations against Chaudhari focus specifically on his claimed citizenship and the certification he allegedly signed on Election Day. The Justice Department's announcement did not provide additional details about Chaudhari's immigration history, when or how he entered the United States, whether he was registered to vote before the election, or how investigators determined that he was allegedly not a US citizen.  It also did not disclose details about the ballot he allegedly cast or identify any other individuals who may have been involved. The case comes amid continued attention in the United States to voter eligibility and the integrity of election procedures.

Authorities have repeatedly emphasised that election-related certifications are legally binding and that knowingly providing false information can lead to criminal prosecution. In this case, prosecutors allege that Chaudhari deliberately made a false citizenship declaration rather than mistakenly providing incorrect information. The two-count indictment returned by the Minnesota federal grand jury means Chaudhari will now face the allegations through the federal criminal justice process. Prosecutors will be required to establish the elements of the charges in court. Chaudhari remains presumed innocent unless the government proves the allegations against him beyond a reasonable doubt. The Justice Department did not provide further information about his legal representation, a possible court date or any response from Chaudhari to the charges.

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