Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Questions New Government on Mahadev Betting App Case
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], August 28: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has raised concerns about the new state government’s handling of several cases, including the Mahadev Betting App investigation. Baghel criticized the transfer of cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and questioned why the central government hasn’t shut down the app to prevent scams.
Baghel stated, “They (state govt) handed over so many cases to CBI, what were the results? It has been 9 months since the new govt came…now this case, first Police were probing it, then ED entered, Lok Sabha elections were taking place, and we were insulted to the core. Now it has been handed over to CBI. My opinion is that only the central govt can shut Mahadev Betting (App), why are they not doing it?…if they shut it, no scam will take place.”
Earlier in the week, the BJP-led Chhattisgarh government handed over the investigation of the Mahadev betting app case to the CBI. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Crime Branch’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Bharat Chaudhary in connection with the Rs 15,000-crore Mahadev betting app scam.
Notably, the Chhattisgarh Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) has named Baghel in its first information report (FIR) lodged in connection with the Mahadev Online Book-linked money laundering case. According to sources, the FIR was filed based on a probe report submitted by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). In November last year, the ED had also conducted searches against the money laundering networks linked with the alleged Mahadev Book Online Betting App, which led to the recovery of cash of Rs 5.39 crore and a bank balance of Rs 15.59 crore.
ED is investigating a case against “Mahadev Online Book”, which is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites to enrol new users, create user IDs and launder money through a layered web of Benami bank accounts.
Doubts Revealed
Chhattisgarh -: Chhattisgarh is a state in central India. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
Bhupesh Baghel -: Bhupesh Baghel is a politician in India who served as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. A Chief Minister is like the head of a state government.
Mahadev Betting App -: The Mahadev Betting App is an online platform where people can place bets, usually on sports. Betting is like gambling, where you risk money on the outcome of an event.
CBI -: CBI stands for Central Bureau of Investigation. It is India’s top agency for investigating serious crimes and corruption.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
Mumbai Crime Branch -: The Mumbai Crime Branch is a special unit of the Mumbai Police that deals with serious crimes like fraud and organized crime.
Bharat Chaudhary -: Bharat Chaudhary is a person who was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in connection with a big scam involving the Mahadev Betting App.
Rs 15,000-crore scam -: A scam is a dishonest scheme to make money. Rs 15,000 crore is a huge amount of money, equal to 150 billion rupees.
FIR -: FIR stands for First Information Report. It is a document prepared by the police when they receive information about a crime.