Just before the elections in Chhattisgarh, the Mahadev betting app scandal has sparked heated political drama. Following the ED's action the day before, which implicated CM Bhupesh Baghel, the BJP became aggressive. On Saturday, the BJP questioned the Chhattisgarh government's involvement, while Congress retaliated, targeting both the ED and the central government during a press conference at the Congress headquarters led by Party General Secretary KC Venugopal, Communications Chief Jairam Ramesh, and Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary, described the situation as political revenge and blatant misuse. He stated, ‘This is happening because the BJP's defeat in Chhattisgarh is certain. The government’s confidence remains intact, and the Congress government is coming back. Therefore, in the final days of the election, the ED is being heavily misused.’
Ramesh mentioned that since March 2022, the Chhattisgarh government has been taking action against the online betting app. Raids have been conducted in Odisha, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. However, the state police cannot conduct raids in Dubai. The action should be taken by the central government, which has not yet done anything. Ramesh claimed that the central government has given legal status to the online betting app and imposed a 28% GST on it.
Ramesh further mentioned, ‘The Prime Minister used to criticize handouts and our guarantees. Yesterday, the BJP released a manifesto which is just a copycat manifesto. From the purchase price of paddy to gas cylinders, they have reiterated our points. When we provided guarantees in Karnataka, it was heavily criticized. Now they're saying there will be Modi's guarantee in Chhattisgarh. What does this show?’
Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Rajya Sabha MP, noted that the BJP is set to badly lose in Chhattisgarh. He said, ‘It’s evident that the BJP is in partnership with the ED; you can call it an alliance. Seeing defeat ahead, this cooperation is accelerating. What’s laughable is that the Chhattisgarh police investigated this matter one and a half years ago, seized many items, and made accusations. Then, as the election nears, another authority, the ED, steps in. Four days before the elections, the ED jumped on the center’s directive and harassed many employees. This shows that Bhupesh Baghel is winning in Chhattisgarh.’
Singhvi added, ‘From March 2022 until now, the Chhattisgarh police have arrested 450 people in Raipur, Durg, Jagdalpur, and Ambikapur. Seventy-two cases have been registered across the state. Collectively, they have seized 91 laptops, 85 mobile phones, and 1.5 crore rupees. The ED began similar action six months ago. Now, during the elections, they tell a story of catching someone who brought money from Dubai to Chhattisgarh for the elections. The most unfortunate part is that they first allege and then finally state that the case is under investigation. The Chhattisgarh police had already investigated the matter. Some names from the CM's office are mentioned, but they are not in the charge sheet. Is this the Election Department or ED? Or is it a mark of cruelty? ED has lost credibility; it’s just an office of falsehoods and misinformation. If you can call it a parrot, then it’s a parrot.’
According to Congress, the Mahadev app operates nationwide, and Chhattisgarh was the first state to investigate and register over 70 cases. The police have arrested more than 450 people, confiscated 191 laptops, 865 mobile devices, over 1.5 crore rupees in assets, and bank accounts worth around 16 crore rupees.
'No Branch of the App in Chhattisgarh...'
In a joint statement, Congress mentioned that the first case was registered on March 30, 2022. CG police conducted raids in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, and other states, arresting several people. However, it was alleged that the Mahadev app was launched in Chhattisgarh, but the investigation revealed no branch or operational base in Chhattisgarh. The masterminds behind the app, Ravi Uppal and Saurabh Chandrakar, operate from Dubai and do not reside in Chhattisgarh. A lookout notice was issued for them in July 2023.
'Request for Action in Dubai'
Congress stated that due to jurisdictional limits, the state government requested the central government and its agencies to arrest Ravi Uppal and Saurabh Chandrakar, who operate the Mahadev app from Dubai. Additionally, the state government urged the central government to impose a complete ban on the Mahadev app and cease all its operations in India and Chhattisgarh. Despite these efforts, the app continues to operate.
Congress alleged that the Modi-Shah-Sitharaman-led government has legalized all online betting apps in India and imposed a 28% GST on these activities. Observing the operational status of the Mahadev app, the party believes that BJP is funded by Mahadev app, providing a platform to further their political agenda via investigating agencies. Fearful of losing funds, they hesitate to arrest the kingpins.
Congress pointed out that the ED initiated its investigation of the Mahadev app based on FIRs filed by the Chhattisgarh police. The ED has turned a criminal investigation into a political one. Targeting bureaucrats and politicians, they aim at discrediting the Congress government and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Ironically, the government that took stern action against the Mahadev app is now being accused of supporting and protecting it.
Union Minister Smriti Irani accused Congress of using hawala operators for elections in Chhattisgarh. Deputy CM TS Singh Deo responded, ‘If Smriti Irani has evidence, why isn’t she presenting it? Does her withholding information suggest she is complicit? The ED officials were found with large sums of money in their homes, indicating expected actions just before elections. These are not unexpected. They are making these claims because they're about to lose the elections. Even the ED’s press releases lack substance.’
TS Singh Deo remarked that the elections would not be affected as people recognize the misuse of the ED. A person changing parties resolves everything. Upon discovering about the Mahadev app, the Chhattisgarh government imposed a ban through legislation. Such activities were curbed. Had we been involved, would we have imposed such a ban?
'Smriti Irani's Accusations'
Union Minister Smriti Irani stated, ‘While in power, Congress engaged deeply in betting business in Chhattisgarh. Startling facts have emerged regarding Bhupesh Baghel. Apparently, Bhupesh Baghel was majorly involved in betting activities while holding power. Facts revealed include over Rs. 5.30 crores caught associated with one Aseem Das. I have a few questions for Bhupesh Baghel: Is it true that through Shubham Soni, Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh were receiving money from Aseem Das?’
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) achieved a significant breakthrough on Thursday during a search operation in Chhattisgarh, seizing over Rs. 5.39 crores. The action took place during the investigation of the Mahadev Book Online Betting App Syndicate. The detained cash courier, Aseem Das, revealed arrangements to fund 'Baghel,' a prominent politician.
On November 2, the ED received intelligence indicating that ahead of the state elections on November 7 and 17, 2023, large sums of money were being transported into Chhattisgarh by Mahadev app promoters. The ED conducted searches at Hotel Triton and another location, detaining cash courier Aseem Das, who had been specially sent from UAE to deliver money for the ruling Congress party's election expenses in Bhilai.
