Sagarika Mitra, Content Head of JAN KI BAAT explains the facts of the case in this article
Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Mahadev Betting Scam. This development has once again raised questions about the involvement of bollywood celebrities with shady businessmen.
The Mahadev Betting Scam: Pakistan Hawala link out?
The Mahadev Betting Scam revolves around the Mahadev online betting app, which is suspected to have links in Pakistan, along with associations with local businessmen and hawala operations. The ED’s ongoing probe has uncovered some startling details that shed light on the extent of this scandal.
The Bollywood Connection:
As per sources in the ED, a total of 17 Bollywood celebrities have come under the scanner due to their association with Mahadev app co-owner Sourabh Chandrakar. Their involvement stems from attending or performing at Chandrakar’s lavish wedding in February this year and the company’s success party in September last year.
Why Ranbir Kapoor Has Been Summoned?
The ED’s investigation has revealed that Ranbir Kapoor was reportedly paid by the promoters of the Mahadev app in exchange for endorsing their gaming platform. This payment is believed to have been proceeds of crime, adding another layer of complexity to this case. Ranbir, one of the highest-paid celebrities by the app, also allegedly participated in social media promotions for the app.
Rs 5000 crore scam?
The monetary value of the Mahadev Betting Scam is already estimated to have reached a staggering Rs 5,000 crore, and this figure may continue to rise as the investigation progresses. The company, which was operating out of Dubai, allegedly used the online book betting application for enrolling new users, creating user IDs, and laundering money through a complex web of benami bank accounts.
Other Celebrities Under the Radar
Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, several other Indian and Pakistani celebrities, including Tiger Shroff, Sunny Leone, Neha Kakkar, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, are also under the ED’s scanner for their involvement in the Mahadev app’s events. Their attendance at Chandrakar’s Dubai wedding has come under scrutiny.
Global links exposed?
The founders of the Mahadev betting app, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, have not only been accused of illegal activities in India but have also been found to be conducting their business in several other countries. Their attempt to visit Australia was thwarted last month due to the ongoing money laundering probe in India.
Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, hailing from Chhattisgarh, founded multiple websites and apps under the Mahadev brand, offering online casino and betting platforms—activities considered illegal in India. Despite being banned in India, the Mahadev app continued its operations in other countries, prompting investigations by Indian authorities.
The Enforcement Directorate uncovered substantial evidence of money laundering, leading to the freezing and seizure of proceeds of crime worth a staggering Rs 417 crore.
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