Mahadev Betting Scam: Bollywood A-Listers Summoned By ED In Betting Case

Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia is the latest celebrity to be summoned by the Maharashtra cyber cell in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Mahadev online betting app scam.

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According to officials, Bhatia is alleged to have promoted the viewing of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches on the Fairplay app, a subsidiary of the Mahadev betting platform as reported by NDTV. She is expected to appear before cyber cell personnel on April 29, 2024.

Bollywood Actors Summoned By ED

Bhatia joins a growing list of celebrities whose involvement in the Mahadev case is being investigated. NDTV reports that the cyber cell has already recorded statements from other Bollywood personalities including Badshah, Ranbir Kapoor, Kapil Sharma, Hina Khan, and the managers of actors Sanjay Dutt and Jacqueline Fernandez.

What Is The Mahadev Betting App?

The Fairplay app, where Bhatia is alleged to have promoted IPL viewing, is linked to the larger Mahadev online betting operation. This platform reportedly offers illegal betting options on various live games such as poker, cricket, badminton, tennis, and more, according to NDTV. Essentially, Fairplay functions as a betting exchange where users can wager on sporting events and potentially win money while watching them streamed live on the app.

The Mahadev app first came under investigation last year when actors Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor were questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for appearing in advertisements for the platform as reported by NDTV.

This probe has since expanded to include a wider circle of celebrities. Sources close to the investigation reveal that around 100 individuals, including big names and social media influencers, are currently under the ED's scanner for their suspected involvement in money laundering connected to the scam.

The investigation has uncovered a trail of lavish spending allegedly linked to the Mahadev operation. Several celebrities reportedly attended or performed at extravagant events hosted by the organisation's promoter, Sourabh Chandrakar.

These included a lavish wedding ceremony held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in February 2024, where it's estimated that ₹200 crore was spent in cash (sources close to the investigation). News reports allege that Chandrakar used private jets to fly family and guests to the wedding and paid Bollywood stars to perform (sources close to the investigation).

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ED Investigation Focuses On Promoter's Activities

The ED's investigation reportedly centres on Sourabh Chandrakar, the promoter of the Mahadev app. According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Chandrakar, who hails from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, is suspected of using the online betting platform for multiple purposes. These include attracting new users, creating user IDs, and laundering money through a complex network of anonymous accounts. Investigators believe the entire Mahadev operation is run from a central headquarters located in the UAE and utilises a franchise model. This model offers profit-sharing agreements to partners who promote the app. The ED further suspects that massive hawala transactions were used to funnel betting proceeds to offshore accounts.

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