CBI raids at ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel’s residence: What is the Rs 6,000 crore Mahadev betting app scam?

The central probe agency’s actions are believed to be part of the agency’s nationwide searches at as many as 60 locations spanning Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh as well as national capital Delhi. Individuals against whom these searches are being conducted include politicians, bureaucrats and other officials in the Rs 6,000-crore Mahadev betting app scam.

Baghel was scheduled to travel to Delhi for a meeting of the All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) ‘Drafting Committee’ ahead of the party’s national convention in Ahmedabad on April 8-9. However, just before his departure, CBI teams arrived at his properties. Confirming the searches, his office posted on social media: “Now CBI has come. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is scheduled to go to Delhi today for the meeting… Even before that, CBI reached Raipur and Bhilai residence.”

Notably, the ED’s prior searches on March 10 focused on the alleged multi-crore liquor scam involving Baghel and his associates. The searches being conducted by the CBI Wednesday are reportedly linked to the Mahadav betting app case. An official communication on the reason behind the searches, however, is still awaited.

What is the Mahadev betting scam?

The Mahadev Online Book scam is one of India’s biggest illegal betting operations, covering sports events, card games and even Indian elections. The platform allegedly engaged in match-fixing, money laundering via cryptocurrency and manipulating games to ensure hefty profits for its promoters.

The scam operated through a network of websites and private chat groups, luring users via WhatsApp contacts. The bettors were provided separate numbers for deposits and withdrawals, making transactions harder to trace.

The probe began after the ED traced financial transactions linked to a lavish Rs 250 crore wedding in the UAE, organised by Mahadev app co-founder Sourabh Chandrakar. This event raised suspicions of hawala operations and overseas money laundering.

Masterminds behind the scam

Sourabh Chandrakar (28) and Ravi Uppal (43), both originally from Chhattisgarh’s Bhilai, are believed to be the key players behind the Mahadev betting empire. Having operated from Dubai, they are accused of amassing nearly Rs 6,000 crore through illegal betting.

In October 2023, the ED filed a money laundering charge sheet against them and 14 other accused in a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur. Following this, Interpol issued a red notice against them at the ED’s request.

Baghel’s arrest and the ED and CBI’s actions have fueled a political storm, with Congress leaders alleging political vendetta. The back-to-back investigations, targeting a senior Congress leader just months after BJP regained power in Chhattisgarh, have once again put the spotlight over the use of central agencies for political purposes.

Following the latest raids, Chhattisgarh Congress chief Deepak Baij in a post on X claimed that the BJP sent the CBI after Baghel and Yadav following “failed raids and failed conspiracies”. “Since this morning, the CBI has been camping at the houses of both our leaders. This is nothing but the government’s desperation,” he said. “But remember one thing – neither Congress will bow down, nor Congress will stop. This fight is not just about the leaders, but about every truth that is being tried to be crushed by the power. BJP should remember – truth does not bow down, and the end of injustice is certain,” Baij added. Congress leader and former state deputy CM TS Singh Deo also condemned the action as harassment.

The CBI today also conducted searches at 60 locations across Chhattisgarh, Bhopal, Kolkata and Delhi including premises linked to politicians, senior bureaucrats, police officers, key functionaries of Mahadev Book and other private individuals suspected of involvement in the case.