The Special Investigating Team (SIT) of Mumbai’s cyber cell summoned actor Sahil Khan and three others in the Mahadev App online betting case, which involves allegations of a staggering ₹15,000 crore fraud, match-fixing, illegal hawala, and cryptocurrency transactions.
Scheduled for Friday, the summons require their appearance before the SIT for questioning. Earlier this week, Dubai Police arrested Ravi Uppal, a prime accused and alleged co-promoter of the app, following a red corner notice issued by Interpol upon the Enforcement Directorate’s request. Uppal’s extradition to India is imminent.
Dubai authorities, in coordination with Indian officials, detained Uppal due to his involvement in an alleged ₹6,000 crore money laundering case. He is implicated in a scandal where outgoing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel faces kickback allegations.
The Enforcement Directorate obtained Red Corner notices against Uppal and Sourabh Chandrakar, another promoter, as they are suspected to be involved in illegal betting syndicates in the UAE. A lavish wedding in the UAE, costing approximately ₹200 crore, raised ED’s suspicions, as all expenses were settled in cash.
The Mahadev betting app case has attracted scrutiny for fraudulent activities including match-fixing, illegal hawala, and cryptocurrency transactions. The Enforcement Directorate filed a charge sheet implicating 14 individuals, linking them to a syndicate operating online platforms for illicit betting websites and money laundering.
The investigation unveiled a sophisticated operation orchestrated from abroad. Chandrakar and Uppal allegedly controlled a betting empire from Dubai, using various illicit means to orchestrate payments and expand their network.
ED conducted nationwide searches, seizing illegal assets valued at ₹417 crore across multiple cities and is actively pursuing investigations abroad. The agency also arrested four individuals, including the betting syndicate’s chief liaison, implicated in bribery payments to senior government officials.
The Directorate of Enforcement’s inquiry revolves around the remote management of thousands of betting panels across India by the syndicate’s overseas promoters. The case’s scale and complexity continue to unravel as investigations persist.
Sources By Agencies
