Mahadev Betting App scam: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made significant revelations in its ongoing investigation into the Mahadev Betting App case. What started as a modest juice business has evolved into an empire of fraud involving crores of rupees, spanning multiple countries. The mastermind, Saurabh Chandrakar, and his associate Ravi Uppal are at the center of this massive betting syndicate, allegedly operated with the help of bureaucrats and politicians. Heres how the racket, which generated thousands of crores, was run.Chandrakars journey from juice seller to betting kingpinSaurabh Chandrakar, the man behind the Mahadev Betting App, once sold juice at a small shop. Over time, he ventured into the world of online betting, teaming up with his friend Ravi Uppal to create what would become a global betting operation. Together, they launched the Mahadev Betting App, which quickly gained popularity in India and abroad. According to the ED, the app operated through around 30 call centers across several Indian states, including Chhattisgarh, and was run via a carefully managed network. Chandrakar and Uppal entrusted the apps operations in India to two close associates, Anil and Sunil Dammani.A complex money trailThe EDs investigation uncovered a sophisticated money laundering scheme to conceal the betting profits. Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, with the help of their associates, opened numerous fake bank accounts using fraudulent KYC documentation. The money was transferred through these accounts, making it difficult to trace. Prominent promoters, including Chandrakar and Uppal, police officers, politicians, and bureaucrats, were reportedly involved in the syndicate, receiving financial benefits to allow the operation to continue unchecked.Anil Dammani played a pivotal role in managing the money, ensuring the funds, often received through hawala transactions, reached the right individuals in law enforcement and government. This system helped protect the app from legal scrutiny.How did the Mahadev Betting App workedThe Mahadev Betting App, launched in 2019, allowed users to participate in various online games, including poker, card games, and sports betting. Cricket, badminton, tennis, and even election results were subjects of wagers on the platform. In just a few months, the app garnered more than 1.2 million users, many of whom were from Chhattisgarh. The apps popularity surged, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown, as more people turned to online gambling.How did Chandrakars betting network operatedThe network functioned like a well-oiled machine. Agents of the app lured users into the system by promising lucrative returns through betting. Once users expressed interest, they were added to private WhatsApp groups and given instructions to create IDs on certain websites. Once their accounts were set up, they were provided two phone numbers: one for depositing funds and the other for redeeming their winnings. All transactions were done anonymously, making it difficult for authorities to track.What was the role of Hawala in overseas transactionsThe ED discovered that the syndicates promoters sent large sums of cash from the UAE to India through hawala. This money was funneled to Chhattisgarh, where it was distributed to law enforcement officers, bureaucrats, and politicians to keep the operation running smoothly. According to reports, Anil and Sunil Dammani, along with a jeweler in Raipur, were instrumental in handling these transactions. Anil admitted that he and his brother had facilitated transactions worth ₹60 to ₹65 crore over the last few years, for which they received ₹6 lakh as compensation.Connections to BollywoodThe Mahadev Betting Apps network extended beyond just the betting world. Earlier this year, Saurabh Chandrakar hosted his wedding in Dubai, flying in 17 Bollywood celebrities on a chartered plane for stage performances. Allegedly, these actors were paid crores of rupees through hawala transactions. The police are now questioning the actors involved in the wedding and other Bollywood personalities linked to promoting the Mahadev App.ED to extradite Saurabh ChandrakarThe ED is working on bringing Saurabh Chandrakar, currently residing in the UAE, back to India for further questioning. His vast network, involving influential figures across multiple countries, highlights the complexity of this betting empire. As the investigation unfolds, more details about the extent of the fraud are expected to emerge.
