ED claims Mahadev App promoters gave Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh CM 

By: Pune Pulse

November 4, 2023

Pune: According to the Enforcement Directorate(ED), Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has allegedly received a total of ₹ 508 crore from the promoters of the Mahadev betting app.

The agency has obtained a statement from a ‘cash courier’ who claims that the app promoters transferred the mentioned amount to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The matter is currently being investigated. 

The Enforcement Directorate has made a shocking revelation following the arrest of Asim Das, the courier, who was found in possession of Rs. 5.39 crore during the election period in the state.

Presently, the ED is conducting an investigation into the Mahadev online betting app and its promoters for potential violations of anti-money laundering regulations. Through the interrogation of Asim Das, examination of his phone, and analysis of an email sent by Shubam Soni, one of the main accused in the Mahadev network, alarming allegations have emerged.

These allegations include the claim that the promoters of the Mahadev app have been making regular payments to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, amounting to approximately Rs. 508 crore. The agency has mentioned this in its official statement.

Baghel derides the accusation in response to the claims made by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Bhupesh Baghel expressed his disbelief, stating, “Could there be a more absurd notion?… If I were to apprehend someone today and prompt them to mention PM Modi’s name, would the ED then interrogate them? It has become incredibly effortless to tarnish someone’s reputation.”

ED searched Chhattisgarh ahead of elections on Thursday, the ED initiated search operations in Chhattisgarh with the aim of targeting money laundering networks associated with the Mahadev online betting app.

This operation led to the confiscation of a sum of Rs. 5.39 crore in cash. Additionally, the agency intercepted a bank balance of Rs. 15.59 crore, which was subsequently frozen. “ED has conducted search operations on 2/11/2023 against the money laundering networks linked with Mahadev Book Online Betting APP in Chhattisgarh. Cash amounting to Rs. 5.39 crore and a bank balance of Rs. 15.59 crore have been intercepted and frozen/seized,” the ED stated on X. The agency also shared visuals of the cash seized during the raids.