CBI Conducts Raids at Various Locations in Kolkata Linked to Betting App Scandal
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Synopsis
The CBI has initiated raids at multiple locations in Kolkata related to the Mahadev Book betting app investigation. The operations are focused on a local businessman accused of bank loan fraud and connections to illegal betting activities.
Key Takeaways
- CBI raids multiple locations in Kolkata.
- Focus on Mahadev Book betting app investigation.
- Charges include bank loan forgery against key suspects.
- Raids involve armed police support.
- Previous ED raids occurred at the same site.
Kolkata, March 26 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) commenced search operations on Wednesday at multiple sites in and around Kolkata as part of its ongoing probe into the Mahadev Book betting application. Sources familiar with the situation have indicated that one of the main suspects, operating from Kolkata, is facing allegations of bank loan fraud.
Each CBI team was accompanied by personnel from the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).
The primary operations are taking place at the residence of a local entrepreneur in Salt Lake, located in northern Kolkata. This businessman, along with his son, faces accusations related to the betting app schemes, alongside charges of deliberate bank loan defaults and forgery.
Previously, officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also executed raids at the same location in relation to the purported betting app scandal.
As the report was being compiled, CBI raids and search operations were still ongoing, though no arrests had been reported at that time.
In addition to scrutinizing documents at the various sites, CBI officials are interrogating several individuals linked to the betting app scandal.
The CBI indicated that searches were being conducted at 60 locations across Chhattisgarh, Bhopal, Kolkata, and Delhi, including properties associated with politicians, senior bureaucrats, police officials, key figures of Mahadev Book, and other private persons believed to be involved in the case.
The investigation pertains to the illicit activities of Mahadev Book, an online betting platform promoted by Ravi Uppal and Saurabh Chandrakar, who are currently residing in Dubai.
Investigations have indicated that the promoters allegedly paid large sums as “protection money” to public officials to maintain the uninterrupted operation of their illegal betting network.
Initially initiated by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Chhattisgarh, the case was later handed over to the CBI by the state government for a thorough investigation into the involvement of senior public officials and other suspects, the agency reported.
