The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has blocked 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro, following investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED has arrested Bhim Singh Yadav, a constable in the Chhattisgarh Police, and Asim Das for money laundering offenses related to Mahadev Book.
ED said that it is investigating claims that the promoters of the betting app paid Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. (Agencies)
NEW DELHI: Ministry of electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro.
The action follows investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against illegal betting app syndicate and subsequent raids on Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh, revealing the app’s unlawful operations.
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Probing claim app promoters paid Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Rs 508 crore: ED
“Accused Bhim Singh Yadav, working as a Constable in the Chhattisgarh Police force and one Asim Das are currently in custody, having been arrested under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for commission of the offence of Money laundering under section 3, punishable under section 4 of PMLA, 2002,” an official statement said.
The Mahadev app controversy has taken a political turn after the ED said that it is investigating claims that the promoters of the betting app paid Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel.
“Can there be a bigger joke. ” Bhupesh Baghel after ED allegations of receiving ₹508 cr from Mahadev betting app promoters
While Baghel had dismissed it as politically motivated, PM Narendra Modi attacked the Congress government and the state CM of corruption in Chhattisgarh.
Minister of state for electronics & IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused the
Chhattisgarh government of failing to act against the apps. “Chhattisgarh government had all the powers to recommend shutting down of website/app under Sec 69A of the IT Act.
However, they did not do so and no such request is made by the State Government while they have been investigating it for last one-and-a-half years. In fact, the first and only request has been received from ED and it has been acted upon. Nothing prevented Chhattisgarh government from making similar requests,” Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Sunday.
The Mahadev app controversy has taken a political turn after the ED said it is investigating claims that the promoters of the betting app paid Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel.