ED Brings in Bollywood Stars for Questioning over Mahadev Involvement
11 Oct 2023
The Indian betting app Mahadev has caused quite a stir recently as one of its main promoters, Sourabh Chandrakar, tied the knot in the UAE by throwing a ₹200 crore wedding. Among the invited were several celebrities, some of whom are now asked to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Read more about the Mahadev money laundering case.
Ranbir Kapoor Allegedly Paid in Cash to Attend Wedding
The famous Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor (Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar) was recently summoned by the ED for allegedly promoting the Mahadev app, being paid in cash for his involvement.
According to an anonymous official source, several other celebrities are being summoned for questioning on various levels of involvement with the Mahadev brand or its owners. As many as 16 other Bollywood celebrities are also under investigation for attending or performing at the wedding in February this year, as well as a company party held in September of 2022.
NDTV states that actors Kapil Sharma, Huma Qureshi, Hina Khan, and Shraddha Kapoor have also been asked to appear before the ED concerning the Mahadev app case.
Mahadev Investigation Seized ₹417 in assets so far
The ED began probing Mahadev. Mahadev is a well-known Indian online gambling app that offers real money betting and gambling. The investigation began in early 2023. Four people were later arrested. Money laundering was revealed as part of the Mahadev organization. Therefore, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal are still being wanted.
An ED officer commented on the situation. He said, “M/s Mahadev Online Book runs from a head office in the UAE. They operate by franchising ‘panels’ or branches to their known associates and small punters on a 70:30 profit ratio. Large-scale hawala operations are conducted to siphon off the proceeds of betting to offshore accounts. Additionally, they spend large amounts of cash in India to advertise the betting websites. This self-aggrandizement is necessary to attract new users and franchise seekers.”
Investigations into Mahadev have so far resulted in the seizure of assets worth ₹417 crore. As well as 429 arrests. And they have also revealed over 3000 bank accounts used. With over a third of them frozen pending further investigation.
