Government's big action against betting, 22 apps and websites including Mahadev blocked

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) has issued an order to block a total of 22 apps including Mahadev App. The Ministry has said that this action has been taken after the request made by ED. People associated with Mahadev App started using it for betting on cricket and other things.

The central government on Sunday issued a blocking order against 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book and ReddyAnnaPristoPro. This action by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has been taken after the investigation and raid conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against the illegal betting app syndicate. In its investigation, ED had declared the operation of these apps illegal.

The owner of Mahadev Book App is currently in ED custody. He has been arrested under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrashekhar has alleged that the Chhattisgarh government had not sent any request to the Central government to block these platforms despite having the authority to do so.

He has said that the Chhattisgarh government had full power to recommend closure of the website-app under Section 69A IT Act. However, they did not do so nor has any such request been made by the state government, even though the government has been investigating it for the last 1.5 years. The truth is that this action has been taken after the first and only request was received from ED in this regard.

ED's surprising claim

Citing its investigation regarding Mahadev Betting App, ED on Friday had said that Rs 5.39 crore was sent from Dubai for Chhattisgarh elections. ED said that accused Aseem Das, arrested during the raid, has revealed that the promoter of Mahadev Betting App had sent crores of rupees from Dubai to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Along with this, money has also been sent for the expenses of the Congress Party in Chhattisgarh elections.

ED claims- CM Baghel got Rs 508 crore

Citing the ED investigation, he said that the promoters of Mahadev App have so far given about Rs 508 crore to CM Bhupesh Baghel. In this case, ED has also arrested a constable of Chhattisgarh Police, Bhim Yadav. Bhim Yadav has traveled to Dubai several times in the last three years. Bhim Yadav is the person through whom bribe money used to reach politicians and police officers.