ED Unveils 14 Accused in Mahadev Betting App Case, Stirring Political Allegations

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has officially filed a charge sheet pertaining to the Mahadev online betting app case. This significant development occurred on October 20, 2023, at the PMLA court in Raipur. The charge sheet identifies 14 accused individuals who allegedly played a role in this illicit operation.

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has officially filed a charge sheet pertaining to the Mahadev online betting app case. This significant development occurred on October 20, 2023, at the PMLA court in Raipur. The charge sheet identifies 14 accused individuals who allegedly played a role in this illicit operation.

Among the accused named are Vikas Chhapariya, Ravi Uppal, Sourabh Chandrakar, Satish Chandrakar, Vishal Ahuja, Chandra Bhushan Verma, Anil Dammani, Sunil Dammani, Dheeraj Ahuja, Shiv Kumar Verma, Punaram Verma, Shiv Kumar Verma, Yashoda Verma, and Pawan Nathani. These individuals have been brought into the spotlight for their involvement in the operation.

The case's next hearing has been scheduled for November 25, 2023, providing a crucial date for further legal proceedings. Notably, the ED clarified that no celebrities have been implicated in the prosecution complaint. This update follows a statement by Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel, who raised questions regarding the government's stance on the betting app.

Baghel emphasized that the central government holds the authority to enact a ban on the application, placing the onus on them for any potential regulatory actions. He went further, insinuating a link between election funding and the reluctance to outlaw the betting app.

The Mahadev Online Book Betting app stands as an umbrella syndicate, facilitating illegal betting operations through online platforms. Its activities include enrolling new users, generating user IDs, and engaging in money laundering via a complex network of Benami bank accounts.

Earlier in September, the ED disclosed details of their investigation into the online money laundering case associated with this app. The agency revealed that various services, such as wedding planners, dancers, and decorators, were procured from Mumbai, with hawala channels used for cash transactions.

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The main figures behind the Mahadev betting platform are Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, both originating from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. Their operations were primarily based in Dubai, where they established a significant presence.

In a proactive move, the ED conducted searches at 39 different locations across Raipur, Bhopal, Mumbai, and Kolkata. This operation resulted in the seizure of illegal assets valued at Rs 417 crore. Additionally, the PMLA special court in Raipur issued non-bailable warrants against the suspects, further intensifying the legal pursuit.

This charge sheet filing and the subsequent hearing mark pivotal moments in the ongoing investigation into the Mahadev betting app case, shedding light on the individuals involved and the extent of their activities.