Mahadev App Betting Scandal: CBI Names Bhupesh Baghel
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Synopsis
The CBI has implicated former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in its FIR concerning the Mahadev App betting scandal, following extensive raids that uncovered critical evidence linking high-ranking officials to the illegal betting operations.
Key Takeaways
- Bhupesh Baghel named in CBI FIR.
- Extensive raids conducted across multiple cities.
- Allegations of protection money payments to officials.
- Investigation transferred from EOW to CBI.
- Ongoing probes expected to reveal more details.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially named former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel, in its First Information Report (FIR) as part of the ongoing probe into the Mahadev App online betting controversy.
Previously, Baghel's name emerged in the FIR submitted by Chhattisgarh's Economic Offences Wing (EOW), and it has now been included in the CBI's investigation.
Recently, the CBI conducted extensive raids on March 26 across over sixty locations, including Chhattisgarh, Bhopal, Kolkata, and Delhi. These operations targeted properties associated with politicians, bureaucrats, law enforcement officers, and individuals linked to the betting platform, yielding critical digital and financial evidence.
Mahadev Book, an online betting service, is operated by Ravi Uppal and Saurabh Chandrakar, both currently based in Dubai. Investigative findings have revealed accusations that the promoters provided considerable amounts as "protection money" to public officials, facilitating the smooth operation of their illegal betting network.
In response to these raids, former Chief Minister Baghel posted on his X handle on March 29, stating, "We have sent multiple letters to the Modi government regarding the arrests of Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, but no action has been taken. The officials of the double-engine government kept spreading falsehoods about Saurabh and Ravi's arrest in the media, while in Dubai, the BJP government's favorite storyteller, Pradeep Mishra Maharaj, was narrating Mahadev Katha to them."
In another post on X dated March 27, he questioned, "Why has Pradeep Mishra not been interrogated in this case yet? Regarding the CBI's raids yesterday, we can say, ‘Ulta chor kotwal ko daante (the guilty blaming the innocent).’ During the SP-Collector conference held in Raipur, I was the first to direct officers to take action against the Mahadev Satta app, leading to FIRs, arrests, and account seizures throughout the state. Our government even introduced a Bill in the assembly to prohibit online betting and enhance existing laws."
Initially, this case was under the jurisdiction of Chhattisgarh’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW).
Subsequently, the state government transferred the investigation to the CBI to ensure a thorough inquiry into the involvement of senior officials and other main suspects. The CBI's raids have led to the seizure of substantial digital and documentary evidence, including important financial records and transaction details.
Officials have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with more developments expected soon. With Baghel now officially named in the CBI’s FIR, the case has taken on a political aspect, highlighting potential high-level collusion in the betting operation.
Speculations persist about the involvement of numerous senior government and administrative officials.
