In a major breakthrough, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a series of search operations on November 2, 2023, aimed at dismantling the intricate money laundering networks associated with the Mahadev Book Online Betting App in Chhattisgarh.
During these operations, a substantial amount of cash, totaling Rs. 5.39 crore, and a bank balance of Rs. 15.59 crore were intercepted, frozen, and seized, revealing the magnitude of the financial irregularities surrounding this case.
Forensic analysis of the call detail records (CDR) and emails of the arrested suspects has unveiled a startling revelation. It appears that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is alleged to have received a colossal sum of ₹508 crore from the promoters of the Mahadev App.
Further intensifying the investigation, the ED has apprehended a key figure described as the ‘cash courier,’ identified as Asim Das. He was arrested with ₹5.4 crore, which was dispatched from Dubai with the apparent intention of delivering the cash to Chief Minister Baghel.
Additionally, a police constable named Bheem Yadav has also been taken into custody. Yadav is believed to have played a significant role as a cash conduit, facilitating the flow of funds from Dubai to senior officers and politicians in Chhattisgarh.
The magnitude of this scam is staggering, estimated to run into an alarming ₹5,000 crore. It has come to light that the primary promoters of the Mahadev App hail from Chhattisgarh but operate from Dubai, making it a complex web of financial irregularities and offshore dealings.
This scandal has erupted at a time when Chhattisgarh is amidst assembly elections, raising questions about the potential use of these illegal funds for electioneering. In a statement made during his visit to Durg, Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern, saying,
“Bhupesh Baghel should clarify his connections with the accused individuals residing in Dubai.” The implications of this investigation are likely to resonate far and wide, influencing not only the political landscape of Chhattisgarh but also national perceptions as the truth behind these allegations is unveiled.
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