In a shocking turn of events, Bollywood actor Sahil Khan has been detained by the Mumbai Police in connection with the infamous Mahadev betting app scandal. Khan, known for his roles in films like ‘Style’ and ‘Excuse Me’, stands accused of promoting betting apps linked to Mahadev, including Lion Book and Lotus 24/7. This development sheds further light on the sprawling web of deceit and corruption surrounding the multi-billion rupee online gambling industry in India.
Mahadev Betting App Saga
The Mahadev betting app saga first came to public attention with the opulent Dubai wedding of one of its promoters, Saurabh Chandrakar, allegedly costing over INR 200 crores. The extravagant event, attended by Bollywood celebrities and high-profile personalities, raised eyebrows and suspicions about the source of such lavish spending.
Subsequent investigations by enforcement agencies, including the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Economic Offences Wing, uncovered a complex network of illegal gambling operations facilitated by the Mahadev app and its subsidiaries. The app, founded by Ravi Uppal and Chandrakar, offered users the chance to engage in live gambling on various sports and games, including cricket, poker, badminton, and tennis.
Mahadev Betting App: The Detention of Sahil Khan
The detention of Sahil Khan marks a significant development in the ongoing probe into the Mahadev scandal. Khan, along with 31 others, has been charged with promoting the betting app through various online platforms. Despite his claim of no direct involvement with the gambling platform, authorities allege that Khan not only endorsed the Lion Book app but also had a stake in the Lotus Book 24/7 app.
The Bombay High Court’s rejection of Khan’s pre-arrest bail plea led to his apprehension after a 40-hour-long operation by the Mumbai Police. He has been remanded to police custody until May 1, pending further investigation.
This latest twist in the Mahadev saga comes amid reports of the app’s promoters planning to relocate their operations from Dubai to Zimbabwe. Such moves indicate the lengths of to which those involved in the scandal are willing to go to evade legal scrutiny and continue their illicit activities.
Moreover, the involvement of prominent political figures, including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, further complicates the matter. Baghel, along with several Mahadev app promoters, has been named as an accused in a case filed by the Chhattisgarh Economic Offences Wing based on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation report.
The ED’s crackdown on the Mahadev app scam has also led to the arrest of individuals like Girish Talreja and Suraj Chokhani. The agency’s ongoing probe aims to uncover the full extent of the illegal transactions and financial irregularities associated with the scandal.
Mahadev Betting App – Other Celebrities
In addition to the legal ramifications, the Mahadev scandal has cast a shadow over the reputation of Bollywood celebrities implicated in promoting the betting app. Actors like Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, and Tamannaah Bhatia have been summoned for questioning regarding their involvement in endorsing the app and its subsidiaries.
As the investigation unfolds, the Mahadev betting app scandal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated online gambling platforms and the need for stringent measures to combat such illicit activities. The detention of Sahil Khan underscores the accountability that must be enforced, not only on those directly involved but also on those who lend their fame and influence to promote such nefarious enterprises.
