Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel claimed on Monday that the Information Technology Ministry had banned an online betting platform that was already unavailable on the Indian server, and that the BJP and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) were attempting to save the app’s promoters, a day after the Center blocked the contentious Mahadev app.
Speaking with reporters in Raipur, Baghel said that the Center need to locate fictitious bank accounts being used for online gambling inside the nation and promptly freeze them.
As I have said, the BJP prioritized the ED and I-T since it expected to lose the Chhattisgarh elections. The ‘cash courier’ Asim Das who was detained by the ED is reportedly associated with the BJP, and the car that had the cash connected to the Mahadev betting app was owned by a BJP official. Thus, the individual and the car are their property, and the ED, which has intervened in this matter, is acting as the BJP’s arm, the Congressman said.
Baghel, who has been connected to the ED’s app controversy, said that the Mahadev betting platform—which was pushed by two Chhattisgarh natives who are now living in Dubai—wasn’t accessible on the Indian server for a considerable amount of time prior to its prohibition on Sunday by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
“For the last two years, the Mahadev app case has been the subject of an investigation. An app that is already inaccessible on the Playstore on the Indian server has been prohibited by them (Centre). The Centre has no intention of obstructing it. The Mahadev app promoters provide their clients the APK file format so they can place bets. They use the still-active Telegram and WhatsApp channels for this. This has to be addressed by taking action. He went on, “All such organizations need to be outlawed nationwide.
The Chief Minister called for an outright ban on internet gambling.
“Until internet betting is fully banned, nothing will stop. Those who wager online have created thousands of fictitious bank accounts around the nation, and these accounts handle large-scale financial transactions. The majority of these accounts are in recently nationalized banks and are quickly closed. Only then will internet betting be under control, he added. The Center should locate such accounts, freeze them, and take possession of the money that is sitting there.
The Congress spokesman said that the whole incident shows the BJP is certain to lose the state’s assembly elections, which are scheduled for November 7 and 17.
“We’ve put 3,000–4,000 fictitious bank accounts on hold. Though the ED is unaware of it, every youngster in Chhattisgarh is aware that Ravi Uppal and Saurabh Chandrakar are the primary proponents of the Mahadev app. The BJP is aware that it would not prevail. For their ‘aaka’ (industrial lords), they want Chhattisgarh mines,” he said.
In response to a video that the BJP released on Sunday, in which a guy claiming to be Subham Soni made accusations against him over the Mahadev betting app, Baghel said the footage would not influence the results of the election.
In the ED’s press release, Soni has been identified as an office-bearer of the Mahadev app. The next day, he appears in a video claiming to be the proprietor of the Mahadev app, with Saurabh Chandrakar and another individual working for him. He is such a giving guy that he paid between Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore for his servant Chandrakar’s wedding. The CM said, “We have never heard of anyone paying so much money for his servant’s wedding.”
“You must have noticed how often Soni pauses while filming the video in the clip. The number of times a cut-and-paste task was completed. The ‘godi’ (obedient) media dutifully spread the word about it right away. Its exposure, however, won’t change anything since voters have already cast their votes. He stated, referring to the BJP, “Those involved in the conspiracy were limited to 15 seats last time (in the 2018 polls), and this time they are not going to get even that many seats.”
The BJP published the video, he added, while the ED issued a press statement about its investigation into the multi-crore app case.
It demonstrates their friendly friendship. The BJP and ED’s cooperation has been exposed. Nothing will stop until November 17th, when the second and final round of voting takes place. Who has put a halt to any inquiries? However, I shall also take the same action if only accusations are made. The promoters of the Mahadev app are being defended by the BJP and the ED. I make that accusation,” Baghel said.
In a video released by the BJP on Sunday, Soni, one of the suspects in the Mahadev Book betting app case, claims to be the “owner” of the online betting platform and to have “proof” that he has already paid Baghel Rs 508 crore.
A guy posing as Shubham Soni makes the assertion in the film that he is the proprietor of the Mahadev Book betting app. He said that so far, “Baghel saheb” and others had received Rs 508 crore.
“My work is not getting done, even though I am giving money.” I have no idea how to use this system. Action has been taken against me by the ED. This is my last appeal for assistance from our Indian government. I’m stuck in this political structure. I want to leave it behind. Regarding the money I donated, I have documentation. Please assist me. My desire is to return to India. Soni may be heard stating, “I’m afraid.”
At the ED’s request, the Center has blocked 22 illicit betting sites, including the Mahadev app, according to a statement released by the official on Sunday in New Delhi.
Investigating the Mahadev betting app, the ED stated last week that “startling allegations” that the promoters of the app paid Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel approximately Rs 508 crore so far have been revealed by forensic analysis and a statement from a “cash courier.” These claims are now the focus of an investigation.