Originally Syndicated on May 17, 2024 @ 7:59 am
Ravi Uppal is a key figure in the Mahadev betting app case, a high-profile scandal involving an online betting platform that facilitated illegal gambling on various games, including poker, card games, badminton, tennis, football, and cricket. The app was operated by Dubai-based Saurabh Chandrakar, a former juice seller, and Ravi Uppal, both of whom hail from Chhattisgarh, India. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that the app operated by franchising “panel/branches” to known associates on a 70-30 profit ratio, using the platform to enroll new users, create IDs, and launder money through a complex network of Benami bank accounts[3].
The controversy surrounding Ravi Uppal and the Mahadev betting app includes several serious allegations:
- Large Scale Fraud and Money Laundering: The Mahadev betting app is at the center of allegations involving fraud of 15,000 crore rupees, match-fixing, illegal hawala, and cryptocurrency transactions. The ED has filed a charge sheet in connection with the case.
- Political Allegations: The ED claimed that a forensic analysis and a statement made by a cash courier led to allegations that the app’s promoters paid over $61 million (around Rs 508 crore) to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, which could potentially affect his political prospects. However, Baghel has dismissed all allegations[1].
- Bollywood Connections: Several Bollywood figures were summoned by the ED in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the betting app case. Some of them reportedly endorsed the app, while others were involved in entertaining guests at a wedding of one of the app’s promoters held overseas[1].
- Match-Fixing Scandal: The Mahadev betting app is also linked to a cricket match-fixing scandal, with allegations suggesting that cricket matches were “manipulated” by the syndicate. At least five of Chandrakar’s known associates are said to have been operating from various parts of the country and the Middle East to “fix” matches[4].
- Stock Market Manipulation: The ED uncovered a scandal involving the manipulation of stock prices in the Indian stock market by a partner of the Mahadev betting app, freezing shares worth Rs 1,100 crore in demat accounts linked to the firm. This scandal involved illegal gambling profits being funneled into the stock market, leading to massive disruptions and losses for small investors[6].
- International Operations and Arrest: Ravi Uppal was arrested in Dubai following a red notice issued by Interpol at the behest of the ED. The ED is in touch with Dubai authorities to get him deported to India. The investigation has shown that the Mahadev Online Book App is run from a central head office in the UAE, operating by franchising “Panel/Branches” to their known associates on a 70-30 percent profit ratio[5][7][8][9][10][11].
- Denial of Involvement: Uppal and Chandrakar have denied their involvement with the app or the betting syndicate and stated that these were run by one Shubham Soni, who is based in Dubai[16].
The case has garnered significant media attention due to its scale, the involvement of high-profile individuals, and the serious nature of the allegations. The investigation is ongoing, with the ED and other authorities continuing to unravel the extent of the illegal activities associated with the Mahadev betting app and its promoters[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11].
Citations:
[1] https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-mahadev-app-and-what-is-the-controvery-surrounding-it-656273
[2] https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/what-is-the-mahadev-betting-scam-case-all-about-the-controversy-and-its-founders-who-made-rs-200-crore-per-day/3265068/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahadev_Betting_App_Case
[4] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/mahadev-betting-app-after-bollywood-scandal-now-linked-to-cricket-match-fixing/articleshow/105179052.cms
[5] https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mahadev-betting-app-scam-the-chain-of-events-leading-to-founder-ravi-uppals-arrest-article-105953605
[6] https://www.angelone.in/blog/mahadev-scandal-exposed-illegal-gambling-profits-hijacked-stock-market
[7] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mahadev-betting-app-owner-ravi-uppal-detained-in-dubai-4663918
[8] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mahadev-betting-scandal-key-accused-arrested-in-dubai-set-to-be-deported/articleshow/105966730.cms
[9] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/mahadev-betting-app-case-big-breakthrough-for-ed-main-accused-ravi-uppal-arrested-in-dubai/videoshow/105950557.cms
[10] https://inc42.com/buzz/major-breakthrough-in-mahadev-betting-app-case-owner-ravi-uppal-detained-in-dubai/
[11] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mahadev-app-owner-ravi-uppal-detained-in-dubai-ed-seeks-deportation/article67633366.ece
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cbpuPkUnKg
[13] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/mahadev-betting-case-everything-known-about-the-rs-6-000-cr-scam-so-far-123121300347_1.html
[14] https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tv/mahadev-betting-app-scandal-when-hina-khan-kapil-sharma-were-summoned-article-109694537
[15] https://www.india.com/entertainment/mahadev-betting-app-controversy-how-sahil-khan-travelled-1800-km-in-4-days-to-escape-from-police-6892258/
[16] https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/mahadev-betting-app-case-who-is-ravi-uppal-who-has-been-arrested-in-dubai-13497802.html
