The Mahadev App case has taken a new turn as the Noida Police has registered a case against 18 individuals under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. Noida Commissioner of Police Lakshmi Singh took action against these individuals after filing a case at the Sector 39 police station. Additionally, the Noida Police has requested the government to ban the app.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is conducting an investigation into the Mahadev Book Online Betting APP syndicate. This syndicate is allegedly being operated remotely by its promoters, who are based abroad, with the help of their friends and associates across India. The ED has already arrested four individuals and seized more than Rs 450 crore worth of proceeds of crime. A prosecution complaint has also been filed against 14 accused persons.
The ED’s investigation took an interesting turn when it received intelligence input on November 2 about a large amount of cash being moved in Chhattisgarh by the promoters of the Mahadev App in relation to the upcoming Assembly Elections. Following this lead, the ED conducted searches at Hotel Triton and another location in Bhilai, where they intercepted a cash courier named Asim Das. Das was allegedly sent from the UAE to deliver a large amount of cash for the election expenses of the ruling Congress Party.
During the investigation, Asim Das provided crucial information, and the forensic examination of his phone and an email sent by one of the high-ranking accused in the Mahadev network revealed shocking allegations. It is claimed that regular payments, totaling around Rs 508 crore, have been made by the Mahadev App promoters to Bhupesh Baghel, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. However, these allegations are still under investigation.
In response to these allegations, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of accepting defeat in the state and claimed that the central agencies would take a short break before returning to raid again before the Lok Sabha election.
Chhattisgarh is currently undergoing elections in two phases, with the second phase scheduled for November 17. The state has a 90-member House, and these allegations have added a new dimension to the political landscape.
