Amidst the unfolding controversy surrounding the Mahadev gambling app case, Asim Das, a key figure arrested in connection with the ₹508 crore scandal, has retracted his previous statement that implicated Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Das, apprehended earlier by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), now asserts he’s being made a scapegoat, denying any involvement in the alleged political funding scenario.
The Mahadev Book Online Betting App saga surfaced under ED’s scrutiny in July 2022, accusing overseas-based promoters, Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, of orchestrating illegal betting operations remotely, involving substantial proceeds of criminal activities.
On November 3, ED’s arrest of Das, along with constable Bhim Singh Yadav, saw a seizure of ₹5.39 crore from Das’s vehicle, sparking a series of revelations. Initially, Das’s purported confession pointed to delivering funds to Indian Congress politicians for election funding, naming CM Baghel as the intended recipient.
However, Das has since retracted his statement, stating, “I am now realizing that I am being made a scapegoat… I have never given any money or support to Baghel, any Verma, or any other Congress leader or worker,” as per his written statement to the PMLA court.
The Congress swiftly reacted, criticizing the ED’s claims as a deliberate attempt to target the ruling government. Party spokesperson RP Singh denounced the allegations, asserting the agency’s motive.
Earlier, Das communicated to the court, alleging wrongful implication by Shubham Soni, detailing a different narrative from his initial confession. He described meeting Soni in Dubai under different circumstances and highlighted Soni’s assurances regarding the Mahadev app investigation.
Das claimed coercion into signing a statement he didn’t comprehend and vehemently refuted any involvement in funding politicians.
Advocate Shoaib Alvi, representing Das, filed an application along with Das’s letter from jail, outlining his purported entrapment and false accusation, seeking to present Das’s perspective in court.
Responding to the controversy, CM Baghel vehemently denied the allegations, asserting no acquaintance with Das or any involvement in the manner depicted. Baghel accused the BJP and ED of orchestrating a false narrative, questioning Das’s sudden change in characterization from a ‘manager’ to the app’s ‘owner.’
As the case unfolds, conflicting statements, accusations, and denials intensify, shedding light on a complex narrative surrounding the Mahadev app case and its unfolding legal and political implications.
Sources By Agencies
