CBI files charge sheets in Mahadev App cases; six booked in corruption probe

RAIPUR: The CBI on Thursday filed a charge sheet against six accused in the Mahadev App-linked corruption case, submitted fresh evidence against alleged kingpins Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, and said it is continuing to investigate the betting syndicate's alleged political and bureaucratic patronage.Those named in the corruption case are Ashim Das, Rohit Gulati, Vikas Chhaparia, Anil Dhammani, Vishal Ahuja and Dheeraj Ahuja. They have been charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, besides offences of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy under the IPC.CBI in a statement said, the agency also filed five charge sheets in a separate Mahadev App betting case against 66 accused, including Chandrakar, Uppal and members of betting syndicate panels allegedly used to route the proceeds of crime.

These chargesheets were filed for the offences under provisions of the IPC and the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act.Describing Mahadev App as one of the country's largest illegal online betting syndicates, the CBI alleged that Chandrakar and Uppal (both hailing from Chhattisgarh) built a nationwide network from outside India using social media platforms to enrol users and operate betting markets. According to the agency, the syndicate generated huge illegal profits, which were laundered through a network of mule bank accounts before being transferred overseas.

The CBI further alleged that a portion of the proceeds was paid as protection money to public servants, forming the basis of the corruption investigation. It said the promoters shifted to West Asian countries several years ago and continue to operate the network from abroad.The agency said Red Corner Notices have already been issued against four key accused who are abroad, while proceedings have been initiated to have them declared fugitive economic offenders.The CBI said the probe is continuing to establish the full extent of the betting network and its alleged political and bureaucratic links, adding that more charge sheets are likely to follow.