In a new twist to the investigation against the Dubai-based promoters of Mahadev Book app, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has opened a probe against Subham Soni, who has identified himself as the promoter of the online betting app. Soni recently claimed to have passed on Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. This development could bring fresh trouble for Baghel and his son. The ED has attached an affidavit, submitted by Soni at the Indian consulate in Dubai, to the remand papers of Aseem Das, a courier arrested with Rs 5 crore cash meant as payoffs to “Baghel” from the owners of the Mahadev Book app.
The ED is likely to question Soni, who said he operated with Baghel’s blessings, and verify the allegation against the Chhattisgarh CM and his son based on circumstantial evidence provided by him in his affidavit, according to sources. The Mumbai police have also registered an FIR against Soni and 31 others, alleging that the betting syndicate was involved in a fraud of Rs 15,000 crore. Soni, along with Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, two other promoters of the app, has been made an accused in the case by the Mumbai police.
The ED stated on Friday that Das was sent from Dubai to deliver a cash consignment to “Baghel” and that the app’s promoters had so far paid Rs 508 crore to the CM and his associates.
