A major scam involving the Mahadev App has surfaced in Beed district, with serious allegations of political involvement. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, who has been outspoken about the Santosh Deshmukh murder case, has claimed that a political ‘boss’ is implicated in the scam. Dhas has called for a comprehensive investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and has met with the Superintendent of Police to push for action.
The Mahadev betting app is once again under scrutiny, with Dhas accusing political figures in Beed of being linked to the fraudulent activities. Dhas has alleged that transactions worth around ₹9 billion were carried out through the app, allegedly in the name of a person from Parli. Furthermore, he has stated that two police officers are also involved. Dhas has suggested that a detailed investigation could uncover connections to international networks, potentially reaching as far as Malaysia.
BJP MLA Claims Political Influence in Beed Cases
Dhas has stressed the need for a full investigation into the scam. He has also claimed that in every case in Beed, there is always one political ‘boss’ behind the scenes. Dhas accused these figures of pressuring farmers into selling their land in various locations. He strongly believes that the same political figure may be behind the Mahadev App Scam.
Having already taken an assertive stance in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case, Dhas’s focus on the Mahadev App Scam has ignited a political stir in Maharashtra. All eyes are now on how the government responds to these serious allegations.
Central Government Bans Mahadev Betting App
On November 5, 2023, the central government ordered the blocking of the Mahadev betting app, along with 22 other illegal betting apps and websites, following recommendations from the ED. The government issued these orders under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The Mahadev app attracted significant attention when the ED claimed it intercepted email records from ‘Cash Courier,’ revealing that former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel allegedly received ₹508 crore from UAE-based promoters of the app. However, Baghel has denied these claims.
ED Files Case on November 8, 2023
On November 8, 2023, the Mumbai police registered a fraud case against the Mahadev betting app and its promoters. The accused are facing charges of fraud and illegal gambling. More than 30 individuals, including Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, were named in the FIR filed at the Matunga police station. The case was later transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up for further inquiry. The issue initially came to light when a social activist filed a petition in a lower court, seeking action against the app and its promoters. The court directed the Matunga police to register the case. According to the FIR, the accused are alleged to have defrauded people of approximately ₹15,000 crore.
