Raipur
The controversy surrounding the Mahadev Book betting app took center stage in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Thursday, as BJP MLA Rajesh Munat accused officials of shielding wrongdoers. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, responsible for the Home Department in the Vishnudeo Sai government, assured swift action, declaring, “Not just fish, but even crocodiles will be caught if there are any.”
Munat’s allegations targeted officials allegedly involved in protecting themselves amidst the Mahadev app scandal. He brought the issue to the Assembly’s attention, alleging an ongoing scam under the guise of the Mahadev app in the state, implicating individuals at both national and international levels. Munat highlighted the involvement of nearly twenty thousand youths solely from Bhilai’s Vaishali Nagar constituency in the Mahadev Satta, with approximately 90 cases registered. He criticized the government for allegedly facilitating illegal activities and questioned the lack of accountability in the case.
Responding to Munat’s concerns, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma assured ongoing investigations into the matter. He emphasized that no one would be spared once the facts are verified, promising swift action by the Vishnudeo Sai government against anyone found guilty, irrespective of party affiliation. Sharma revealed that details of individuals taken to Dubai via charter planes for weddings are being gathered for interrogation.
Sharma disclosed that bank accounts associated with the Mahadev app have been frozen, with punitive measures taken against implicated officials, including jail terms and suspensions. He underscored solidarity with Munat, affirming a commitment to prompt action by the government.
Munat further raised questions about individuals unaware of transactions in their bank accounts, indicating widespread irregularities. Sharma acknowledged the absence of regulations on online gaming and betting previously, highlighting ongoing investigations and the government’s determination to enforce new regulations rigorously.
In response to allegations of official involvement, Sharma reiterated the principle of rule of law and assured thorough scrutiny of all implicated individuals. He confirmed the involvement of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the investigation, assuring imminent action based on official information.
The debate saw additional calls for stringent action against culprits to safeguard the youth’s future, with dissatisfaction expressed over the Deputy Chief Minister’s response. Nonetheless, Sharma reiterated the imminent conclusion of the ED investigation, signaling impending actions against wrongdoers.
