New Delhi, July 9: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed six charge sheets in connection with the Mahadev App corruption case, intensifying its crackdown on one of India's largest alleged illegal online betting syndicates.
According to a CBI charge sheets have been filed against six accused — Ashim Das, Rohit Gulati, Vikas Chhaparai, Anil Dhammani, Vishal Ahuja and Dheeraj Ahuja — for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.
The agency has also submitted additional evidence against the alleged kingpins, Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, who had already been charge-sheeted earlier.
In a parallel investigation into the Mahadev App betting racket, the CBI has filed five more charge sheets against 66 accused, including Chandrakar, Uppal and members of betting syndicate panels accused of routing proceeds of crime. The cases involve offences under the IPC and the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act.
The investigation has found that the Mahadev App operated as a nationwide illegal betting network from outside India, enrolling millions of users through social media and other digital platforms. The proceeds of betting were allegedly laundered through a web of mule bank accounts before being transferred abroad. The CBI has also alleged that part of the illicit proceeds was used as protection money for public servants.
Investigators said the promoters of the Mahadev App and several associates fled to West Asian countries a few years ago and have continued operating the network from overseas. Red Corner Notices have been issued against four key accused, while proceedings have also been initiated to have them declared Fugitive Economic Offenders.
The CBI said the investigation is continuing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate, including its alleged political and bureaucratic links, adding that more charge sheets are likely to be filed.
Editorial note: There have been allegations that some illegal betting platforms have adopted names, symbols or branding associated with religious or cultural themes to attract public trust. However, the CBI press release does not state that the Mahadev App used religion as a cover. Any such assertion should be presented only if supported by evidence from the investigation or court records.
