Raipur: The recent arrest of Ravi Uppal, one of the prominent promoters of the Mahadev gaming app in Dubai, has sent shockwaves through Chhattisgarh’s political landscape. The unfolding events have now unveiled a list of politicians in the state allegedly linked to the Mahadev App for financial gain. As Uppal faces extradition to India, the troubles for former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel are speculated to escalate.
During the electoral season, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprehended Asim Das, associated with the Mahadev App, in possession of approximately Rs 5.50 crore. Das, during interrogation, implicated the then Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, alleging that Baghel received Rs 508 crore from the Mahadev app promoter in exchange for facilitating the operation of a betting app in Chhattisgarh. There were also accusations that the funds recovered from Das were funnelled through hawala channels for use in elections.
Sources suggest that Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel may now face questioning in light of these revelations. Additionally, former SSP Prashant Agarwal and Bhim Singh are likely to be summoned for inquiry.
The ED has thus far arrested six individuals in connection with the case, including brothers Sunil Dammani and Anil Dammani, ASI Chandrabhushan Verma of Chhattisgarh Police, a constable, and Satish Chandrakar. Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, both residents of Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, operated the Mahadev app from Dubai and served as its promoters. The call centres associated with the app were established in Malaysia, Thailand, India, and the UAE.
The ED’s investigation has brought to light the substantial transactions, amounting to thousands of crores, conducted through the Mahadev Betting App. Chandrakar and Uppal, based in the UAE, allegedly orchestrated a network involving police, bureaucrats, and politicians to run the Mahadev betting app in India. Approximately 30 call centres for the Mahadev Book App were reportedly established in major cities across various states, including Chhattisgarh. These call centres operated systematically, forming a chain to facilitate illicit activities.
The principal promoters, Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, managed the syndicate with the assistance of associates Anil Damani and Sunil Damani in India. The revelations have exposed the intricate web of corruption and illegal betting operations, raising concerns about the depth of political involvement in the scandal. The unfolding saga continues to grip Chhattisgarh, with citizens and authorities awaiting further developments in this high-profile case.
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