The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned several prominent Bollywood celebrities for questioning in connection with the Mahadev betting app scandal.
From actor Ranbir Kapoor to comedian Kapil Sharma, these A-list stars have been asked to appear at the ED's Mumbai office as part of an ongoing investigation into this high-profile case.
Ranbir Kapoor has requested a one-week extension to appear before the ED, while Kapil Sharma and Huma Qureshi visited the ED's office yesterday to assist with inquiries related to the Mahadev betting scam.
For in-depth insights into the Mahadev betting app and to uncover answers to your questions, continue reading……
What is Mahadev betting App?
The Mahadev betting app allowed users to engage in gambling activities, including poker, card games, chance games, badminton, tennis, football, and cricket. The ED's investigation into this case was triggered following a lavish wedding held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this year.
The wedding, organized by Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, saw approximately Rs. 200 crore being exchanged in cash. The extravagant event in Ras Al-Khaimah featured private jets transporting family members from Nagpur to the UAE and performances by Bollywood celebrities.
According to the ED, Sourabh Chandrakar, hailing from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, allegedly utilized the Mahadev betting app to recruit new users, establish fraudulent identities, and launder money through a complex network of benami (anonymous) bank accounts.
Officials revealed that the Mahadev Online Book App operates from a central headquarters in the UAE, franchising "Panel/Branches" to associates on a 70-30 profit-sharing ratio. The ED alleges that large-scale hawala operations were used to divert betting proceeds to offshore accounts.
Why are Bollywood celebrities under the ED radar?
Numerous Bollywood stars who attended or performed at Chandrakar's wedding in February this year and the company's success party in September of the previous year are now under the ED's scrutiny. Reports suggest that these celebrities received substantial cash payments for their appearances at the events.
In connection with the Mahadev online betting case, the Enforcement Directorate has frozen and seized assets totaling Rs. 417 crore.
The ED recently conducted extensive searches in cities such as Kolkata, Bhopal, and Mumbai, unearthing significant incriminating evidence and freezing/seizing proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 417 crore.
The Mahadev betting app scandal has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with Bollywood celebrities facing intense scrutiny over their involvement in the case. The ED's investigation continues, and further developments are expected in the coming days.