Mahadev betting app case: CBI seizes digital, documentary evidence in multi-location raids

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Bhopal, March 26 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recovered digital and documentary evidence during raids it conducted at 60 locations across Chhattisgarh, Bhopal and Kolkata pertaining to Mahadev Book – an online gaming platform.

“In the course of searches incriminating digital and documentary evidences have been found and seized,” the agency said on Wednesday.

In the investigation of Mahadev Book online betting scam, the ace investigation agency has said, it is conducting searches at 60 locations across “Chhattisgarh, Bhopal, Kolkata, and Delhi, including premises linked to politicians, senior bureaucrats, police officers, key functionaries of Mahadev Book, and other private individuals suspected of involvement in the case.”

“The case pertains to the illegal operations of Mahadev Book, an online betting platform promoted by Ravi Uppal and Saurabh Chandrakar, both of whom are currently based in Dubai,” the agency further said.

Investigations have revealed that the promoters allegedly paid substantial amounts as “protection money” to public servants to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of their illegal betting network, it said.

Initially registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Raipur, the case was subsequently transferred to the CBI by the Government of Chhattisgarh for a comprehensive probe into the role of senior public officials and other accused persons, the agency said and added, “Searches are continuing.”

A CBI squad on Wednesday conducted raids on residences of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and others in a sweeping operation.

The CBI teams reportedly conducted raids in Raipur, Bhilai, and Durg, targeting individuals, including Baghel’s two special-duty officers, Saumya Chaurasia, MLA Devendra Yadav, KPS School Director Nishant Tripathi, and seven police personnel, including four IPS officers.

Earlier in the day, the former chief minister’s office took to X to confirm the CBI’s arrival, noting (in Hindi) that Baghel was due in Delhi that day for a ‘Drafting Committee’ meeting ahead of the AICC gathering in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on April 8-9. “Yet, before he could leave, CBI teams descended on his residences in Raipur and Bhilai,” the statement said

–IANS

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CM Yadav advised them to keep an eye on every single incident within their respective gram panchayats.

The BJP-led Madhya government has introduced the ‘Vrindavan Gram Yojana’ to transform selected villages into model villages with a focus on cow conservation, rural development, and an increase in milk production.

Under this initiative, a cow shelter will be established in every selected village.

CM Yadav made this announcement during a virtual interaction with sarpanchs of his Assembly constituency of Ujjain South on Thursday.

This interactive session was held under the ‘Jan Kalyan Parv’ campaign launched on the completion of one year of CM Yadav-led government in Madhya Pradesh.

The Chief Minister suggested that a list of unemployed men and women should be made in all gram panchayats.

They should also interact with the beneficiaries and solve their problems within a prescribed time period, CM Yadav said.

He also asked them to keep updated information related to progressive farmers, education of men and women, employment, information of meritorious children, hospitals, schools, area of ​​land, and crops.

During a discussion with gram panchayat heads, CM Yadav also suggested that a mass marriage should be organised on a large scale during the upcoming Basant Panchami.

“People should be made aware that they should not waste unnecessary money on marriages and funerals, but rather use them for the education of their children,” the Chief Minister added.

CM Mohan Yadav-led BJP government, which returned to power in the state after winning the Assembly election held in November 2023, will complete one year in office on December 13.

Therefore, CM Yadav has launched a ‘Jan Kalyan Parv’ to highlight the achievements of his government in the first year of its five-year term.

Mohan Yadav, a three-time MLA from Ujjain South Assembly constituency, had taken oath as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 13 along with two Deputy Chief Ministers — Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda.

–IANS

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Two nations to enhance co-operation in cyber safety, maritime security and de-radicalization: PM Modi

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held bilateral talks on Saturday at Hyderabad House in the capital on Saturday, marking a significant step in reinforcing the ties between the two nations.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged during the meeting, covering areas such as health cooperation, digital infrastructure, and defence collaboration.

PM Modi emphasised Indonesia’s importance as a partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions, reaffirming India’s commitment to ASEAN’s centrality and unity under its ‘Act East’ policy.

“The year 2025 will be celebrated as India-ASEAN Year of Tourism. This will enhance cultural exchanges and promote tourism between India and Indonesia. Indonesia is an important partner for us in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions. We both are committed to maintaining peace, security, prosperity and the rule of law in this region. We agree that freedom of navigation should be ensured in accordance with international laws,” the Prime Minister said.

“ASEAN unity and centrality has been emphasised in our ‘Act-East’ policy,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting the historical relationship, PM Modi said, “Indonesia was the chief guest on India’s first Republic Day, and as we celebrate 75 years of the Republic, it is a matter of great pride that Indonesia is part of this historic occasion.”

The Prime Minister noted the growing bilateral trade, which exceeded $30 billion last year, and announced enhanced cooperation in areas such as Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and digital public infrastructure.

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PM Modi also highlighted cultural and historical ties, referencing the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bali Jatra, as well as India’s involvement in the conservation of Indonesia’s Prambanan Hindu Temple.

Prime Minister welcomed Indonesia’s membership in BRICS and reiterated India’s commitment to collaborating on the interests of Global South countries.

Prabowo expressed his gratitude to India for its longstanding support, noting that the Indonesian Embassy in India is located on land donated by the Indian government.

Extending greetings to India on the 76th Republic Day, Prabowo said, “We feel very honoured that I will be the Chief Guest tomorrow at the Republic Day parade and because the first Chief Guest in India’s first Republic Day parade was President Sukarno, so this is a great honour for me. For the first time, an Indonesian military contingent has taken part in a military parade outside of Indonesia.”

“Indonesia considers India a long-time friend. India was one of the first strong supporters of our independence struggle. India sent assistance, financial aid, and medical aid in our struggle for independence. Many Indian leaders supported us in our critical times,” he added.

He also thanked India for supporting Indonesia’s permanent membership in BRICS, stating, “We are convinced that this cooperation will be beneficial to global stability and regional cooperation.”

Prabowo highlighted that ongoing discussions will strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, health, energy, and technology.

Both leaders emphasised their shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, reaffirming their determination to deepen the long-term strategic partnership between India and Indonesia.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 28 (IANS) India and the European Union have agreed to go ahead with a free trade agreement this year, which will be “the largest deal of this kind” in the world, European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen said on Friday.

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The announcement comes in the wake of the geopolitical and geoeconomic churn that is taking place with Trump embarking on an ‘America First’ policy that has added to global uncertainties. The trade war that Trump has triggered has cast a shadow on the revival of the world economy. Pressure has also mounted on European countries to divert more resources to prop up defence, which could hit the production of other goods and spending on social welfare.

The EU is also exploring a future security and defence partnership with India, modelled on the lines of agreements that have been signed with Japan and South Korea.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with his European Union counterpart on Friday morning.

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