Mahadev Betting App scam: Mumbai Police establishes SIT amidst mounting allegations

After assuming control of the investigation, the Mumbai Crime Branch has announced plans to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) consisting of five senior officers sourced from different units of the Mumbai police force to investigate the Mahadev Betting App case. As disclosed by reliable sources on Saturday, November 25, this specialised team, comprising experts from the cyber cell, anti-extortion cell, CIU, and other pivotal divisions, is poised to lead the probing process.

The  origin of this investigation stemmed from an earlier case filed by the Mumbai Police against 32 individuals, among whom notable figures include Gaurav Burman, the director of Dabur, and Mohit Burman, the chairman of a prominent company. The allegations tethering them to the betting app imbroglio instigated the filing of the FIR, lodged at the Matunga police station.

Detailing the intricate facets of the case, the Mumbai Police elucidated, "Matunga police have registered a case against more than 30 people, including Mahadev Betting App promoter Saurabh Chandrakar, Ravi Uppal, and Shubh Soni, under various sections of fraud and gambling, based on the complaint of Prakash Bankar, a social worker from Matunga."

The complaint, brought forth by social activist Prakash Bankar, underscores a colossal swindle amounting to Rs 15,000 crore. According to the allegations, the accused purportedly orchestrated the acquisition of funds via hawala transactions, prompting the police to invoke sections 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and 120 (B) of the Indian Penal Code against Sahil Khan, Gaurav Burman, Mohit Burman, and other implicated individuals.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), actively pursuing the Mahadev Book Online Betting APP syndicate, made significant strides by apprehending four individuals and seizing proceeds worth over Rs 450 crore. Additionally, the ED has filed a prosecution complaint against 14 suspects, intensifying the legal ramifications.

Recent revelations from the ED highlighted a forensic analysis and statements by a purported 'cash courier,' unearthing ‘startling allegations’ suggesting that the promoters of the Mahadev betting app have allegedly disbursed approximately Rs 508 crore to the Chhattisgarh chief minister, which is now ‘subject matter of investigation’.

Amidst these disclosures, the BJP unveiled a video featuring Shubham Soni, asserting his ownership of the app and claiming to possess "proof" of disbursing Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel.

Also, an intercepted cash courier, Asim Das, allegedly dispatched from the UAE, was apprehended by the ED during their searches at Hotel Triton and another location in Bhilai. Das was purportedly tasked with delivering a substantial amount of cash for election expenses associated with the ruling Congress Party.

However, the chief minister refuted these claims. Furthermore, the Centre, acting on the Enforcement Directorate's request, issued blocking orders against 22 illicit betting platforms, including the Mahadev app. This action followed investigations conducted by the ED against an illegal betting app syndicate, culminating in raids linked to the Mahadev app in Chhattisgarh.

The Chhattisgarh police too, responding to the situation, have registered 75 FIRs pertaining to the app.