First Arrest Made in ₹15,000 Crore Mahadev Betting App Case by Mumbai Police SIT

Mumbai: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Mumbai Crime Branch has recently achieved a significant breakthrough by making the first arrest in the high-profile ₹15,000 crore Mahadev Book Betting App case. This development comes after the Matunga Police registered an FIR following a court order last year, leading to the case being transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation. Subsequently, a dedicated SIT was formed to delve into the intricate details of the case.

Identifying the Main Operator

The arrested individual has been identified as Dixit Kothari, a 27-year-old believed to be the main operator of the illicit betting application known as “Lotusbook 08.” According to officials from the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, Kothari’s email ID played a crucial role in obtaining the domain, with an estimated expenditure of approximately Rs 20 lakh for its maintenance over the past two years. Notably, despite the ban on betting in India, Kothari exploited legal loopholes by registering the website on a foreign domain and facilitating betting activities within the country.

Expanding the Scope of Investigation

The initial FIR, based on a complaint filed by Prakash Bankar, implicated more than 30 individuals, including Bollywood actor Sahil Khan, Saurabh Chandrakar, Ravi Uppal, and others. The Enforcement Directorate, the primary investigating agency, had already filed chargesheets in the matter.

Uncovering the Mastermind

Saurabh Chandrakar, a juice seller from Chhattisgarh settled in Dubai, is alleged to be the mastermind behind the betting app case. The Enforcement Directorate’s supplementary chargesheet revealed details of non-bailable warrants and a Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol against Chandrakar and co-accused Ravi Uppal.

Political Implications

Adding a political dimension to the already complex case, the chargesheet also implicates former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel. This revelation has raised eyebrows and intensified public interest in the legal proceedings. The Enforcement Directorate, in its chargesheet, disclosed significant legal actions taken, stating, “Following an application by the ED, the Hon’ble Special Court, PMLA, Raipur, issued an open-ended Non-Bailable Warrant on September 4, 2023, against Mr. Sourabh Chandrakar and Mr. Ravi Uppal, compelling their arrest and appearance before the court. Subsequently, an Interpol Red Notice was issued for both individuals, published by the INTERPOL Secretariat General in Lyon, aiming to facilitate their apprehension.”

A Global Pursuit

The chargesheet further reveals that Mr. Ravi Uppal was successfully arrested in the UAE in accordance with Interpol Red Corner Notice No. A-10277/11-2023 dated November 8, 2023. The Enforcement Directorate received communication confirming this development through the National Central Bureau (NCB), Abu Dhabi, UAE, in a letter dated December 12, 2023. These global arrest efforts demonstrate the international cooperation involved in tackling such transnational crimes.

Unraveling a Complex Web

As the legal proceedings unfold, the investigation promises to shed light on the intricate web of actions that led to the issuance of warrants, Red Notices, and the subsequent arrest of one of the accused in the UAE. The authorities are determined to uncover the full extent of this multi-billion rupee betting app scandal, ensuring that those responsible face appropriate legal consequences.