The Mahadev betting app scandal, embroiled in an alleged INR 15,000 Crores fraud, has witnessed a significant development as Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar transfers the investigation to the city’s Crime Branch. The controversial online platform, facing scrutiny for its involvement in live gambling, has entangled prominent figures, including Bollywood celebrities. This article delves into the unfolding events, the transfer of the case to the Crime Branch, and the broader implications of the scandal.
Case Transfer to Mumbai Crime Branch
Amid the complexity of the Mahadev betting app investigation, Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar’s decision to transfer the case to the Crime Branch signifies heightened scrutiny. The move suggests a need for a specialized investigative approach to unravel the intricate layers of the alleged betting scam.
The Mahadev betting app: FIR Against Promoters and High-Profile Figures
The scandal gained momentum on November 14 when an FIR was registered against 32 individuals, including the app’s promoters Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal. The FIR, filed at Mumbai’s Matunga police station, alleges their involvement in a fraud dating back to 2019. Notably, high-profile personalities like Gaurav Burman and Mohit Burman of Dabur are also implicated, intensifying the legal complexities.
The Mahadev betting app: Enforcement Directorate’s Shocking Revelations
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has added a layer of shock to the scandal, revealing allegations of Mahadev app promoters paying approximately INR 508 Crores to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister. These claims, stemming from forensic analysis and statements by a cash courier, are now under intensive investigation, adding financial intricacies to the already convoluted case.
Celebrity Involvement in Chargesheets
The Mahadev app scandal has ensnared Bollywood celebrities, with the ED filing chargesheets against promoters Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, along with 12 other well-known figures. Renowned names such as Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, and Huma Qureshi find themselves implicated in various legal proceedings, casting a spotlight on the celebrity dimension of the scandal.
Claims and Counterclaims Amid Ongoing Investigation
In response to the allegations, Mahadev app promoters have consistently denied any wrongdoing. They argue that the ED’s investigation seems more focused on scapegoating them than uncovering the truth. The opulent wedding of Saurabh Chandrakar in Dubai has drawn attention, keeping the case in the headlines. The ongoing investigation raises questions about the veracity of claims and the complexity of the financial transactions involved.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Crackdown
In a broader context, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) took decisive action against 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book app. The clampdown, initiated on November 5 following a directive from the ED, reflects a concerted effort to curb illegal betting activities in the digital space.
As the Mahadev betting app scandal takes a new turn with the Mumbai Crime Branch taking charge, the legal complexities continue to mount. The involvement of high-profile celebrities, shocking financial revelations, and the specialized focus of the Crime Branch underscore the gravity of the situation. The outcome of this investigation holds not only legal ramifications but also implications for the regulation of online betting platforms and the endorsement responsibilities of celebrities, marking a critical moment in the landscape of digital gambling in India.
