The Mahadev betting app issue in India centers around the illegal operation of an online betting platform and associated money laundering activities.
Key Aspects:
- Illegal Operations: The Mahadev Book app is accused of facilitating illegal online betting in India, covering various games and events .
- Money Laundering: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the app for alleged money laundering, with the scale of the scam estimated to be ₹5,500 crores .
- Promoters and Locations: The app is allegedly run by Ravi Uppal and Saurabh Chandrakar, who are based in Dubai . Chandrakar was arrested in Dubai in November 2024 .
- Bribery and Corruption: Investigations suggest the app’s promoters paid “protection money” to public servants to ensure the smooth operation of their illegal network .
- CBI Involvement: The case was initially with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Raipur but was transferred to the CBI for a broader investigation into the involvement of public officials . The CBI has conducted raids across multiple locations .
- Political Connections: The ED has alleged the involvement of politicians and bureaucrats from Chhattisgarh . Raids have been conducted on individuals connected to the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel . Baghel has claimed the actions are politically motivated .
- Modus Operandi: The app lured users by allowing them to win initially, then restricting withdrawals and siphoning funds through hawala channels .
- Match-Fixing: The platform is also accused of match-fixing, using cryptocurrency for money laundering, and manipulating games .
