Mahadev Book Id
Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, both hailing from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, India, transitioned from small business owners—a juice shop and a tire shop, respectively—to masterminds of an extensive online betting platform. Their venture, the Mahadev Online Book, facilitated illegal betting on a plethora of games, including poker, card games, cricket, badminton, tennis, and football. Operating primarily from Dubai, the platform allegedly generated approximately ₹200 crore daily, leveraging a franchise model that split profits between promoters and local associates on a 70-30 basis.
Operational Framework and Expansion
The Mahadev Book Id functioned by franchising “panels” or “branches” to trusted associates across India. These panel operators were responsible for enrolling new users, creating betting IDs, and managing financial transactions. The platform’s reach extended beyond India’s borders, with operations in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. To obscure the origins of their earnings, the promoters employed a complex network of benami (proxy) bank accounts and hawala channels, facilitating seamless money laundering activities.
Lavish Displays and Unraveling
The opulence associated with the promoters came to light during Chandrakar’s extravagant â‚ą200 crore wedding in the UAE. The event featured performances by several Bollywood celebrities, drawing the attention of enforcement agencies. Subsequent investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovered the vast scale of the operation, leading to multiple raids and arrests. Assets worth â‚ą417 crore were seized, including luxury cars, real estate, and substantial bank balances.
Legal Actions and Political Ramifications
The ED’s probe revealed that the Mahadev Online Book was not just an isolated operation but part of a broader syndicate involving various stakeholders. Notably, allegations surfaced implicating political figures, including claims that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel received â‚ą508 crore in kickbacks from the app’s promoters. A ‘cash courier’ associated with the promoters alleged this payment, triggering a political storm ahead of the state Assembly polls. Chief Minister Baghel has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as attempts to tarnish his image.
In response to the scandal’s magnitude, the Chhattisgarh government handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), acknowledging the operation’s multi-state and international dimensions.
Celebrity Involvement and Industry Scrutiny
The scandal’s tentacles reached the entertainment industry, with several Bollywood celebrities under scrutiny for their association with the promoters. Some were questioned for attending Chandrakar’s lavish wedding, while others faced inquiries regarding promotional collaborations with the betting platform. This intersection of crime and entertainment highlighted the pervasive influence of the Mahadev Online Book and raised questions about the due diligence exercised by public figures when associating with brands.
International Connections and Further Investigations
The investigation unveiled international connections, including alleged collaborations with individuals linked to organized crime syndicates. Reports suggest that Chandrakar and Uppal joined forces with Mushtaqeem Ibrahim Kaskar, brother of gangster Dawood Ibrahim, to develop a similar betting app for Pakistan called ‘Kheloyar’. These revelations underscored the transnational nature of illegal betting operations and their entanglement with broader criminal networks.
Current Status and Ongoing Proceedings
As of October 21, 2023, the ED filed its first chargesheet in the case, naming 14 accused, including Chandrakar and Uppal. The agency provisionally attached â‚ą41 crore worth of proceeds of crime. Ravi Uppal was apprehended by Dubai police following a red corner notice issued by Interpol at the ED’s behest. The investigation continues to unravel the intricate web of financial transactions, with further arrests and asset seizures anticipated.
Conclusion
The Mahadev Online Book scandal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by illegal online betting platforms. It highlights the need for robust regulatory frameworks, vigilant enforcement agencies, and public awareness to combat such illicit operations. The case also underscores the importance of ethical considerations for public figures when associating with brands, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of seemingly benign endorsements.
As investigations proceed, the Mahadev Online Book case will likely remain a focal point in discussions about digital financial crimes, the nexus between politics and illegal enterprises, and the global reach of organized crime syndicates.
