Enforcement Directorate busts massive money laundering operation in Chhattisgarh ahead of assembly elections

Raipur The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has successfully conducted a series of search operations in Chhattisgarh, uncovering a vast web of illegal activities surrounding the Mahadev Book Online Betting APP syndicate. The ED’s investigations have revealed a network of offshore promoters remotely running thousands of panels across India, mainly with the assistance of individuals hailing from Chhattisgarh. These illegal operations have amassed proceeds of crime totaling thousands of crores. The ED has already arrested four accused individuals and seized illicit proceeds exceeding Rs 450 Crore. A prosecution complaint has been filed against 14 more accused persons. On November 2, 2023, the ED received crucial intelligence regarding the movement of a significant amount of cash within Chhattisgarh, closely linked to the upcoming Assembly Elections scheduled for November 7 and 17. Acting on this information, the ED swiftly conducted search operations at Hotel Triton and another location in Bhilai. During these operations, they successfully intercepted a cash courier, Asim Das, who had been dispatched from the UAE with the explicit purpose of delivering a substantial amount of cash for election expenses related to the ruling Congress Party. The ED managed to recover a significant sum of Rs 5.39 Crore, both from Mr. Asim Das’s car and his residence. Asim Das admitted that the seized funds were intended for one politician named ‘Baghel’ for the upcoming elections in Chhattisgarh. Further investigation also revealed the existence of benami bank accounts associated with Mahadev APP, with a balance of Rs 15.59 Crore, which has been frozen by the ED. Consequently, Asim Das was placed under arrest. During the questioning of Asim Das and an examination of his phone, as well as the discovery of an email sent by Shubam Soni, a high-ranking accused of the Mahadev network, alarming allegations have surfaced. These allegations suggest that regular payments, totaling approximately Rs 508 Crore, have been made by Mahadev APP promoters to Shri Bhupesh Baghel, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. These allegations will be subject to further investigation. Additionally, the ED has arrested Police Constable Bheem Yadav. Investigations revealed that over the past three years, Constable Yadav had made unauthorized trips to Dubai, where he reportedly met with Ravi Uppal and Sourabh Chandrakar, participating in Mahadev APP’s extravagant functions. His travel expenses were purportedly funded by M/s Rapid Travels, a company linked to money laundering and ticketing operated by the Ahuja Brothers. Constable Yadav is believed to have served as a conduit for receiving bribes from Mahadev APP promoters for the benefit of senior officers and politicians in Chhattisgarh. Both Asim Das and Police Constable Bheem Yadav were presented before the PMLA Special Judge in Raipur, and the ED has requested their custodial interrogation to independently corroborate their admissions and uncover evidence of money laundering. The Court has granted the ED a seven-day custody period. The investigation is ongoing, with further developments expected in this high-profile case.