November 29, 2024

Mahadev Book: Centre bans 22 illegal betting apps & websites, including Mahadev app

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NEW DELHI: The Centre on Sunday issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book Online at request of the Enforcement Directorate.
“The action follows investigations conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against illegal betting app syndicate and subsequent raids on Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh, revealing the app’s unlawful operations,” the ministry of electronics and information technology said in a statement.
“Accused Bhim Singh Yadav, working as a Constable in the Chhattisgarh Police force and one Asim Das are currently in custody, having been arrested under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for commission of the offence of money laundering u/s 3, punishable u/s 4 of PMLA, 2002,” it added.

“Can there be a bigger joke?…” Bhupesh Baghel after ED allegations of receiving ₹508 cr from Mahadev betting app promoters

The Centre’s action amid the allegations that Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel received crores of rupees in the form of kickbacks from betting operators to fund party campaign, a charge denied by the CM and Congress.
ED claimed that a forensic analysis and a statement made by a ‘cash courier’ have led to “startling allegations” that Mahadev betting app promoters paid about Rs 508 crore to Bhupesh Baghel so far, and that “these are subject matter of investigation”.

BJP’s Anil Antony amid betting app row: “Holy name of ‘Mahadev’ being used for unholy activities…”

The alleged agent, 38-year-old Asim Das, has been arrested by the agency in Raipur after it recovered Rs 5.39 crore cash from him. He was allegedly sent by the app promoters from the UAE “especially, to deliver large amounts of cash for electioneering expenses of the ruling Congress party”.
“Chhattisgarh government had all the power to recommend shutting down of website/app under Sec 69A IT Act. However, they did not do so and no such request is made by the state government while they have been investigating it for last 1.5 years. In fact, the first and only request has been received from ED and it has been acted upon. Nothing prevented Chhattisgarh government from making similar requests,” Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said.

Chhattisgarh Polls 2023: PM Modi accuses Chhattisgarh govt of corruption in Mahadev betting app scandal

Watch Explained: What is the Mahadev Online Betting App case and why actor Ranbir Kapoor has been summoned by ED



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