Ravi Uppal, a key figure behind the Mahadev online betting app, has been apprehended by law enforcement in Dubai. This move was prompted by an international alert, known as a red corner notice, issued by Interpol at the behest of India’s Enforcement Directorate.
Currently, the Enforcement Directorate is investigating a case of money laundering tied to unlawful betting activities. As part of this investigation, they have filed formal charges against Uppal and another promoter in a court that handles cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Efforts are now underway to extradite Uppal back to India. This development is part of a broader crackdown on illegal online betting operations. It’s a reminder of the global reach of law enforcement and the serious consequences of engaging in such illicit activities.
Where Uppal was roaming?
During its investigation, the agency found that Uppal holds a passport of Vanuatu, a country in the Pacific Ocean, and had been “roaming freely” using that, but had not given up his Indian citizenship. He had also applied for an Australian visa using the passport.
What is the Mahadev Gaming app?
The Mahadev Gaming app is a digital platform that offers live gambling on a wide array of games, including poker, various card games, and sports like badminton, tennis, football, and cricket. It also features popular card games such as Teen Patti and Poker, in addition to virtual cricket games.
The case involving the Mahadev betting app is connected to a syndicate that provides online platforms for illegal betting websites. The Special Investigating Team (SIT) of the Mumbai Cyber Cell is currently investigating this case.
How the Mahadev betting app works?
The app operates within a network of private groups on several instant messaging platforms and is reported to generate a staggering daily revenue of Rs 200 crore. The app’s owners, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, are alleged to have facilitated illegal betting on live games through this online platform. It is suspected that they have accumulated around Rs 5,000 crore from this operation.
It has been found that those associated with this case have set up 67 different betting sites to facilitate illegal betting activities. The accused has used over 2000 SIM cards for monetary transactions, which include withdrawals and deposits. These SIM cards were obtained using counterfeit documents.
How did the police discover this app?
The Mahadev Gaming app was exposed when the Durg Police Superintendent arrested several individuals connected to it. This led to more arrests and FIRs across different states. Furthermore, a complaint about fraud and gambling was lodged by a local social worker, Prakash Bankar, at the Matunga police station. He alleged that the accused were involved in a massive Rs 15,000 crore scheme, including hawala transactions. This complaint was instrumental in uncovering the operations of the Mahadev Gaming app.
The initial FIR in the Rs 15,000 crore Mahadev betting app case was filed with the Matunga Police in Mumbai. However, it was later transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch for a more comprehensive investigation.
How many people were accused
A high-ranking official from the Mumbai Police revealed that Sahil Khan and three others are expected to appear before the SIT on Friday. The SIT’s objective is to understand Khan’s perspective on the allegations leveled against him in the context of the Mahadev betting app. An FIR has been lodged against 32 individuals, including Sahil Khan and his brother Sam Khan, in this case. Sahil Khan, who has acted in films like ‘Style’ and ‘Excuse Me,’ has now shifted his focus from acting to fitness.
The Mumbai Cyber Cell’s Special Investigating Team (SIT) is currently probing the Mahadev online betting case. As part of their investigation, they’ve instructing them to present themselves before the team. This comes after the Sessions Court denied Khan’s anticipatory bail plea on Wednesday.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was also accused but When he was produced before a court. the courier had said he was being framed as part of a conspiracy and he had never delivered any cash to politicians.
Other A-list celebrities accused
Following Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor, several other celebrities have been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about the Mahadev betting app money-laundering case. This list includes actor-comedian Kapil Sharma, renowned actress Shraddha Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, and Hina Khan, who is known for her appearance on the reality show ‘Bigg Boss’. They have all been asked to present themselves before the central agency for further investigation.
The promoter of the Mahadev Gaming app
Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, the creators of the Mahadev Gaming app, started their journey as modest business owners in Chhattisgarh. Chandrakar owned a juice shop, while Uppal ran a tire shop. From these simple beginnings, they transitioned to running a vast online betting empire, which is currently under scrutiny for money laundering.
Their business, headquartered in Dubai, expanded its operations not just within the UAE, but also to countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) believes that the scandal is worth around Rs 5,000 crore. At present, they are facing non-bailable arrest warrants.
Comments 2