The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has recently made significant strides in its ongoing money laundering investigation surrounding the Mahadev Online Book App case. This high-profile case involves a complex web of illegal betting operations, money laundering, and political corruption that has spanned across states and even international borders. The ED’s relentless pursuit has led to the arrest of several key individuals, shedding light on a shadowy underworld of online gambling.
The ED’s investigation began with the registration of FIRs by Chhattisgarh Police, which exposed the intricate web of illegal betting orchestrated through the Mahadev Online Book platform. Subsequent FIRs from various states, including Vishakhapatnam, have been incorporated into the investigation, highlighting the widespread nature of the criminal enterprise.
The investigation has unearthed that Mahadev Online Book was not just another gambling platform but a highly organized operation. It offered a range of online gambling activities, including poker, card games, chance games, and even betting on sports events such as cricket, badminton, tennis, and football. Additionally, users could wager on Indian elections through the app. The entire platform was designed to appear legitimate, drawing in unsuspecting individuals seeking profit.
The primary figures behind Mahadev Online Book, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, both originating from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, orchestrated their operations from Dubai. The operation encompassed maintaining multiple websites and operating closed groups on chat apps to attract participants. The modus operandi included advertising contact numbers on these platforms, enticing people to join the platform.
Once contacted, users would receive two separate numbers. One was for depositing money and collecting points for betting, while the other was for encashing the accumulated points. The platform operated under various names such as “laser247.com,” “betbhai.com,” and “tigerexch247.com,” catering to the preferences of bettors.
Mahadev Online Book’s operations were not only widespread but also meticulously structured. The platform operated through a network of “Panel/Branches,” functioning like franchises, with Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal retaining a substantial portion of the profits. These panels comprised owners and workers, who handled tasks ranging from money collection to distribution.
The app’s games were designed to favor the platform, ensuring that despite initial profits for users, they would ultimately lose money. The investigation also revealed that the main office, referred to as “HO” or “Head Office,” managed profiles for panel owners and users. Money was distributed through benami bank accounts and hawala channels to evade detection.
Perhaps most concerning is the involvement of corrupt officials in this criminal enterprise. ASI Chandra Bhushan Verma of the Chhattisgarh Police was identified as a key liaison officer on the ground, receiving money via hawala from the Dubai-based promoters. This money was allegedly distributed to senior police officers and politically connected individuals. The investigation unveiled that Verma’s influence extended beyond his rank due to his connections and financial power.
The ED’s search operations conducted in August 2023 led to the seizure of substantial incriminating evidence, further strengthening their case. The accused individuals have reportedly confessed their involvement and even provided details of bribes and beneficiaries. The arrested individuals have been remanded to ED custody for six days by the PMLA Special Court in Raipur.
As the investigation continues, its scope widens, implicating high-ranking officials connected to the Chief Minister’s Office in the scandal. The case not only exposes the extent of illegal betting and money laundering but also highlights the alarming level of corruption within various layers of the government.
