The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has taken action against illegal betting apps and websites by issuing blocking orders. This comes after investigations conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into an illegal betting app syndicate, which led to raids on Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh. The investigations revealed the app’s unlawful operations, prompting the government to block 22 apps and websites, including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro.
The Centre stated that the Chhattisgarh Government had the power to recommend shutting down the website or app under Section 69A of the IT Act. However, no such request was made by the state government in the past 1.5 years of investigation. The first and only request came from the ED, which was promptly acted upon. The government release also mentioned that Bhim Singh Yadav and Asim Das have been arrested for their involvement in money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel, accused the government of India of colluding with the Mahadev betting app, and questioned why the app had not been banned despite the ED’s claims against him in the alleged betting app deal. Baghel stated that there is a secret collusion between the government and the app. The Chief Minister also mentioned that the BJP, the political party in opposition, has arrested 450 individuals in connection with this case. He accused them of resorting to tactics because they have nothing against him.
In response, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi demanded a clarification from Baghel on this issue, both politically and morally. Trivedi emphasized that the Congress leader and Chief Minister should clarify where the money came from and address the political and moral aspects of this matter.
The ED has claimed that Mahadev App Promoters have paid around Rs 508 crore to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. However, Baghel refuted these claims and accused the BJP of using its agencies to contest the upcoming Chhattisgarh polls. The ED is currently investigating the Mahadev Book Online Betting App syndicate, as well as its promoters.
According to the ED, Asim Das, a cash courier, was intercepted by the agency while he was trying to deliver a large sum of money from the UAE for the election expenses of the Congress party. Das confessed that Rs 508 crore has been paid to the Chief Minister by Mahadev APP Promoters. Baghel denies these allegations.
As the political controversy intensifies, the public’s trust in the BJP ahead of the upcoming elections in Chhattisgarh has been questioned. The government’s actions against these illegal betting apps and websites, along with the ongoing investigations, have raised concerns about the integrity of the political process. The allegations of collusion between the government and the app further complicate the situation, with demands for clarifications and accountability.
