An FIR related to alleged illegal gambling and cyber fraud worth ₹15,000 crore linked to the Mahadev betting app has been transferred from the Matunga police station in Mumbai to the Mumbai crime branch for a comprehensive investigation. The decision was made by Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar due to the extensive scope of the probe.
The FIR, registered earlier this month, implicates 32 individuals, including the app's "promoter" Saurabh Chandrakar, Ravi Uppal, Shubham Soni, and others, in fraudulent activities dating back to 2019. The accused are alleged to have defrauded people of nearly ₹15,000 crore. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently claimed that a forensic analysis and a statement made by a ‘cash courier’ led to “startling allegations” that Mahadev betting app promoters have paid about Rs 508 crore to the Chhattisgarh chief minister so far, and that “these are subject matter of investigation”.
In response, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel, has rejected the claim. On November 5, the Centre took action by issuing blocking orders against 22 illegal betting platforms, including the Mahadev app, based on the ED’s request.
This move followed investigations conducted by the ED against an illegal betting app syndicate and subsequent raids in connection with the Mahadev app in Chhattisgarh. The Chhattisgarh police have registered at least 75 FIRs in connection with the app, and the ED has also conducted a probe into the case.
The ED’s claim that Mahadev betting app promoters paid approximately ₹508 crore to the Chhattisgarh chief minister has added a political dimension to the case. The BJP released a video of Shubham Soni, claiming ownership of the app and providing "proof" of paying ₹508 crore to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. However, the Chief Minister had denied the allegations.
On November 5, the Centre took a significant step by issuing blocking orders against 22 illegal betting platforms, including the Mahadev app. This decision was based on the ED’s request and followed investigations into an illegal betting app syndicate, coupled with subsequent raids related to the Mahadev app in Chhattisgarh.
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
10% discount on fare on Mumbai Metro lines 2 and 7A on May 20
May 3, 2024 2:40 PM
'Rahul Gandhi deserted Amethi due to fear of Smriti Irani': How BJP plans to puncture Congress' UP plan
May 3, 2024 1:12 PM