New Delhi: In a startling turn of events, a key accused in the alleged Mahadev App scandal, Shubham Soni, has made shocking claims that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel advised him to escape to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This high-profile case revolves around allegations of money laundering and the illicit use of funds during elections against Mr. Baghel. These revelations come just days before Chhattisgarh is set to go to the polls.Explosive accusations emergeThe dramatic accusations surfaced as sources revealed that Shubham Soni, who is wanted by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case, released a video from Dubai. In this video, Soni levels grave allegations against Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, asserting that he had followed Baghels advice to relocate to the UAE.Soni goes a step further, asserting that he is the true owner of Mahadev, the betting app that has drawn the scrutiny of central investigative agencies due to its substantial profits.The money trailThis controversy escalated recently when the Enforcement Directorate seized a staggering sum of Rs 5.39 crore in cash from a courier identified as Asim Das. The courier claimed that Shubham Soni had dispatched the funds from Dubai for Bhupesh Baghel.Further investigations have uncovered benami bank accounts linked to the betting app, with a total of Rs 15.59 crore frozen in these accounts.Baghel demanded banning Mahadev AppChhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel also apprehended the Central govt in context of the Mahadev betting app scandal. I want to ask the Centre why they are not banning the Mahadev betting app and arresting its director. What were the customs officials doing when the money (related to the app) reached here he said.VIDEO | I want to ask the Centre why they are not banning the Mahadev betting app and arresting its director. What were the customs officials doing when the money (related to the app) reached here says Chhattisgarh CM @bhupeshbaghel on Mahadev betting app row.#PTIExclusive… pic.twitter.com/MIGdrHSUmY— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 5, 2023Massive allegations and paymentsUpon thorough examination of Asim Dass cellphone and an email reportedly sent by Shubham Soni, investigators unearthed a troubling money trail. Regular payments have been made in the past, and so far around Rs 508 Crore have been paid by Mahadev App Promoters to Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, NDTV quoted sources as saying.The political landscape in Chhattisgarh is set to witness intense turbulence in the wake of these sensational claims. With the impending state elections, this shocking revelation has thrust the Mahadev App case into the spotlight, casting a shadow of doubt over the Chief Minister. The nation awaits further developments in this rapidly evolving political scandal. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
