Chhattisgarh EOW files FIR against former CM Bhupesh Baghel, others in Mahadev Satta App case

Raipur
In a significant development, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Chhattisgarh has reportedly lodged an FIR against former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and 21 others in connection with the Mahadev Satta App case. Among those named in the FIR are prominent app promoters Saurabh Chandrakar, Ravi Uppal, alongside several unnamed police officers and businessmen.

The FIR, initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), alleges that the promoters of the Mahadev app were receiving regular protection money from influential political figures, as well as police and administrative officials. These accused individuals purportedly received substantial amounts on a regular basis to evade legal action against the app’s promoters.

Furthermore, the FIR suggests that through hawala transactions, operators of the Mahadev Book were funneling protection money to police, administrative officials, and politicians. It is claimed that these officials and politicians abused their authority to obtain financial benefits from the promoters and acquired illicit assets. The ED has provisionally attached several immovable properties in connection with the case.

Charges under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended by the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, including conspiracy and cheating, have been leveled against all accused individuals by the EOW on March 4.

The Mahadev app has been under the ED’s scrutiny for nearly a year, primarily due to its involvement in money laundering activities. Allegations indicate the complicity of high-ranking politicians and bureaucrats from Chhattisgarh in the scandal. The two principal promoters of the app are also reported to be from the state. The ED has estimated that the case involves earnings of approximately ₹6,000 crore.

During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, it is alleged that the promoters and panel operators of the Mahadev app raked in nearly ₹450 crore every month through online betting. Fake bank accounts were allegedly created using forged documents to facilitate transactions involving illegal gains.

Furthermore, it is claimed that panel operators transferred illicit funds to the promoters in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through various bank accounts. The app promoters purportedly invested significant sums in advertising on betting websites and organized annual star-studded events featuring celebrities.