In a major operation, the Bilaspur police have taken significant action against the notorious online betting syndicate involving Mahadev and Anna Reddy. The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of substantial assets, including cash, electronic devices, and illegal funds held in multiple bank accounts. This crackdown marks a significant step towards dismantling the illicit online gambling network operating in the region.
Under the guidance of Additional Superintendent of Police Rajendra Jaiswal and City Superintendent of Police Sandeep Kumar Patel, the Bilaspur police took action against the online betting platform. Crime no. 147/23 was registered at Thana Tarbahar, invoking Sections 420, 34 IPC, and Section 07 of the Gambling Act.
The investigation revealed that the syndicate had conducted transactions worth more than 50 crores through fake bank accounts. They utilized the funds obtained from these illicit activities in the online betting platform known as Mahadev. The accused, Rajat Jain, Kshitij Bhardwaj, Bobby Jaghav, and Karthik Vishwakarma, opened fraudulent bank accounts and facilitated illegal transactions.
During the operation, the police seized several crucial pieces of evidence, including ten lakhs in cash, 30 mobile phones, ten laptops, and 10 ATMs. Moreover, the police confiscated an amount of 12 crores from over 275 accounts linked to illegal activities.
The accused, in collaboration with bank employees, would open fake bank accounts using the identities of unsuspecting individuals under the guise of trading. These accounts served as conduits for conducting online betting operations. To activate UPI on these fraudulent accounts, the accused utilized the services of mobile shopkeepers who linked them with fake SIM accounts.
In a significant move, the police identified approximately 600 VIP numbers associated with the Mahadev app platform. These numbers are now slated for deactivation, effectively dismantling a crucial aspect of the illegal gambling network.
Several bank employees from prominent institutions such as Yes Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI, HDFC, and IDFC played a significant role in facilitating the opening of these fake accounts. They provided essential information, including ID passwords, UPIDs, and cards.
The successful operation was the result of meticulous planning and collaboration between various law enforcement agencies. The Bilaspur City Superintendent of Police, along with the ACCU Bilaspur Dharmendra Vaishnav, Manoj Nayak station in-charge Tarbahar, Deputy Ajay Vare, and the dedicated police station staff, played pivotal roles in bringing down the syndicate.
The Bilaspur police’s decisive action against the Mahadev and Anna Reddy online betting syndicate is a significant step in curbing illegal gambling activities in the region. By apprehending key individuals, seizing substantial assets, and disrupting the functioning of the network, the police have sent a strong message.
