Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Got Rs 508 Cr From Mahadev App Promoters, ED Claims Citing Probe

The agency apprehended the courier, Asim Das, after recovering Rs 5.39 crore from him in the election-year state.

The Enforcement Directorate said on Friday that it has recorded a statement from a "cash courier" who said that the owners of the Mahadev betting app had given Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel up to this point, and that it is now a "subject matter of investigation," news agency PTI reported. The agency apprehended the courier, Asim Das, after recovering Rs 5.39 crore from him in the election-year state. The ED is investigating the Mahadev online betting app and its sponsors under anti-money laundering legislation.

"From the questioning of Asim Das, and from the forensic examination of the phone recovered from him, and examination of an email sent by Shubam Soni (one of the high ranking accused of Mahadev network) many startling allegations have come forth, namely, that regular payments have been made in the past and so far around Rs 508 crore have been paid by Mahadev APP promoters to Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh," the ED's statement was quoted by PTI in its report. 

"These are subject matter of investigation," it said.

"On Nov 2, Directorate of Enforcement (ED) received intelligence input that a large amount of cash is being moved in Chhattisgarh by the promoters of Mahadev APP in relation to Assembly Elections scheduled on 7th & 17th of November, 2023. ED conducted searches at Hotel Triton and another location in Bhilai and successfully intercepted a Cash Courier Asim Das who was sent from UAE especially, to deliver large amount of Cash for electioneering expenses of the ruling Congress Party. ED has recovered a cash amount of Rs 5.39 Crore (from his Car & at his residence). Asim Das has admitted that the seized funds were arranged by the Mahadev APP promoters to be delivered to one Politician 'Baghel' for upcoming election expenses in the state of Chhattisgarh," the statement further reads. 

Chhattisgarh will vote in two phases on November 7 and 17, with the results scheduled to be declared on December 3. The first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh for 20 seats will take place on November 7, while the remaining 70 seats in the state will vote on November 17. Chhattisgarh has already implemented the Model Code of Conduct.

(With Inputs From Agencies)