Major Breakthrough In Mahadev Betting App Case, Owner Ravi Uppal Detained In Dubai

In a major breakthrough to the investigation linked with the Mahadev online betting app case amounting to INR 15,000 Cr, one of the two main owners and accused in the case, Ravi Uppal, has been reportedly detained in Dubai by the local police on the basis of a red notice issued by the Interpol at the behest of the enforcement directorate.

Founded by Uppal and Sourabh Chandrakar, Mahadev app, at the centre of controversy, is an online platform where users can engage in live gambling across various games, including poker, cricket, badminton and tennis, among others.

The scam gained attention following Chandrakar’s opulent wedding in Dubai in February 2023, allegedly costing north of INR 200 Cr, saw performances by the likes of Vishal Dadlani, Tiger Shroff, Sunny Leone, Neha Kakkar, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and many others.

Seven months later, the ED began its crackdown and announced that it unearthed the Mahadev app online betting scam and frozen assets and proceeds to the tune of INR 417 Cr.

Last month, the case was transferred to Mumbai Crime Branch. On November 14, an FIR was registered in Mumbai’s Matunga police station against 32 people, including the promoters of the app Chandrakar, Uppal and others, alleging a connection to the betting scam. It alleged their involvement in a fraud dating back to 2019, as stated by the police.

The report also included the director of Dabur Gaurav Burman and company chairman Mohit Burman under sections 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and 120 (B) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Mohit Burman had been listed as the 16th accused, while Gaurav Burman was the 18th accused in the Mahadev betting app scam.

While the investigation is ongoing, the two promoters have consistently denied any wrongdoing. At the same time, Bollywood celebrities Ranbeer Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, Hina Khan and comedian Kapil Sharma were also called in for questioning.

Recently, the ED revealed that a forensic analysis and a statement from a cash courier have led to several shocking allegations. The promoters of the Mahadev betting app are accused of paying approximately INR 508 Cr to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister. These claims are now under probe.

In a statement to Inc42 earlier, they alleged that the ED’s investigation seems more intent on scapegoating them rather than uncovering the truth.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had clamped down on 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book app.

The actions were initiated on November 5 following a directive from the ED.

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