BJP, ED trying to save Mahadev betting app promoters, alleges Chhattisgarh CM

A day after the Centre blocked the controversial Mahadev app, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday alleged the BJP and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) were trying to save its promoters and said the Information Technology ministry has banned an online betting platform that was already unavailable on the Indian server.

A day after the Centre blocked the controversial Mahadev app, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday alleged the BJP and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) were trying to save its promoters and said the Information Technology ministry has banned an online betting platform that was already unavailable on the Indian server.

Talking to reporters in Raipur, Mr. Baghel said the Centre should identify fake bank accounts being used for online betting in the country and freeze them immediately.

“I have already said the BJP, anticipating its defeat in the Chhattisgarh polls, has put the ED and I-T in the front. The person (referring to 'cash courier' Asim Das) who has been arrested (by ED) is said to be close to the BJP and the vehicle (from where cash linked to Mahadev betting app was seized) also belongs to some BJP leader. So, the person and the vehicle belong to them, while the ED which has taken action (in app case) functions as a BJP wing,” the Congress leader alleged.

Mr. Baghel, who has been linked to the app row by the ED, said the Mahadev betting platform, promoted by two Chhattisgarh residents who are now in Dubai, was unavailable on the Indian server long before it was banned by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Sunday.

“Investigation (into Mahadev app case) is underway since the last two years. They (Centre) have blocked an app which is already unavailable in Playstore on the Indian server. Their (Centre) intention is not to block it. They (Mahadev app promoters) send their customers APK (file format) for betting. They use WhatsApp and Telegram channels for the purpose which are still functioning. Action should be taken against this. All such groups should be banned in the country,” he added.

The Chief Minister demanded a complete ban on online betting.

"Nothing is going to stop until online betting is completely shut. Those involved in online betting have opened lakhs of fake bank accounts in the country which see transactions of hefty money. Most of these accounts are in new nationalized banks and these accounts are closed in a short term. The Centre should identify such accounts, freeze them and seize the money lying there...then only online betting can be controlled,” he said.