Shefali Bagga on Mahadev betting app case: 'Unknowingly promoted a few brands'
Synopsis
TV sports presenter Shefali Bagga has broken her silence on the Mahadev betting app case, insisting her role was limited to unknowing social media promotion. The ED's chargesheet tells a different story — alleging she received ₹1.5 crore for promotional videos, with ₹30 lakh seized from her home and ₹1.20 crore since surrendered.
Key Takeaways
Shefali Bagga issued a clarification on 8 October 2026 , saying her role in the Mahadev betting app case was limited to 'unknowingly' promoting brands on social media.
The ED chargesheet alleges she received around ₹1.5 crore for making promotional videos for the Mahadev betting syndicate. ₹30 lakh in cash was seized from her Delhi residence during an ED search.
Bagga subsequently surrendered ₹1.20 crore — the alleged balance amount — after being questioned by investigators.
The Mahadev Betting App is under a wide-ranging ED investigation involving multiple high-profile individuals across India.
Television sports presenter Shefali Bagga, who was under investigation for her alleged role in the high-profile Mahadev betting app case, issued a public clarification on 8 October 2026, stating she had only 'unknowingly' promoted the platform on social media and had fully cooperated with authorities. Her statement follows the latest Enforcement Directorate (ED) chargesheet naming her in connection with the case.
What Shefali Bagga Said
'My role was limited to unknowingly promoting a few brands on social media similar to the promotional engagements undertaken by many public figures and celebrities,' she said. 'Beyond this, I had no involvement or association with any other activities or operations relating to those brands or any other entity. I have cooperated with the department's investigation, surrendered the money and have full faith in our law,' Bagga added.
What the ED Chargesheet States
According to the ED chargesheet, Shefali Bagga allegedly received around ₹1.5 crore for making promotional videos for the Mahadev betting app syndicate. During a search at her Delhi residence, ED officials seized ₹30 lakh in cash. Bagga subsequently surrendered ₹1.20 crore — described as the balance amount she is accused of receiving — after being questioned by investigators.
What Is the Mahadev Betting App
The Mahadev Book, also known as the Mahadev Betting App, has emerged as one of India's largest illegal online betting platforms in recent years. The network allegedly facilitates betting worth crores of rupees on sports including cricket and football, operating through mobile applications and websites. The racket has reportedly spread nationwide and, according to investigators, involves several high-profile individuals.
Scope of the Investigation
In earlier phases of the probe, the ED had seized property worth several crores and arrested multiple individuals linked to the alleged syndicate. The agency continues to expand its investigation into what it has characterised as a sprawling illegal enterprise. Notably, this case has drawn national attention for the breadth of celebrities and public figures allegedly connected to promotional activities for the platform.
With the latest chargesheet filed and Bagga's surrender of funds on record, the ED's investigation into the Mahadev betting app network is expected to progress further in the coming weeks.
Point of View
High-reward proposition. What the investigation must now clarify is whether 'cooperation and surrender' constitutes meaningful accountability, or whether it allows well-known faces to walk away from a syndicate that reportedly extracted crores from ordinary bettors.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Shefali Bagga say about her role in the Mahadev betting app case?
Shefali Bagga said her role was limited to 'unknowingly promoting a few brands on social media,' comparable to promotional work done by other public figures and celebrities. She stated she had no involvement in the operations of those brands and had cooperated fully with the ED's investigation.
How much money did the ED allege Shefali Bagga received from the Mahadev syndicate?
The ED chargesheet alleges Bagga received around ₹1.5 crore for making promotional videos for the Mahadev betting app syndicate. Investigators also seized ₹30 lakh in cash from her Delhi residence during a search.
What is the Mahadev betting app and why is it under investigation?
The Mahadev Book, commonly called the Mahadev Betting App, is one of India's largest alleged illegal online betting platforms, facilitating bets on cricket, football, and other sports through mobile apps and websites. The Enforcement Directorate has been probing it for allegedly processing illegal bets worth crores of rupees and involving multiple high-profile individuals.
Why did Shefali Bagga surrender ₹1.20 crore to the ED?
According to the ED chargesheet, ₹1.20 crore represents the balance amount Bagga is accused of receiving to promote the Mahadev betting app. She surrendered it after being questioned by the agency as part of her stated cooperation with the investigation.
What happens next in the Mahadev betting app case?
The ED has stated it is continuing to expand its investigation into the nationwide Mahadev betting network. With the latest chargesheet filed and funds surrendered, further legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks, potentially involving other individuals linked to the syndicate.
