CBI files chargesheet against 6 accused in Mahadev app case

The CBI has filed a chargesheet against six more accused in the Mahadev app case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and relevant Sections of the IPC for offences of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.The six accused who have been chargesheeted are Ashim Das, Rohit Gulati, Vikas Chhaparia, Anil Dhammani, Vishal Ahuja and Dheeraj Ahuja.

The agency has also filed additional evidences against the main kingpins in the case, Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal and others, who were chargesheeted earlier.

In the other Mahadev app case, the CBI has filed five chargesheets against 66 accused, which include Saurabh Chandrakar, Ravi Uppal along with members of the betting syndicate panels through whom the proceeds of crime were channelled. These five chargesheets were filed for offences under the IPC and the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act.

Mahadev App is one of the largest illegal betting syndicate unearthed in the country that was being run from outside India. Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal built it into a nationwide network reaching millions of users through social media platforms.

The investigation has established that the syndicate operated illegal betting panels across the country, enrolling users and running games and betting markets, generating illegal profits that were then laundered through a web of mule accounts and finally the funds were transferred abroad. Part of the proceeds of crime were paid as protection money to public servants.

Investigation revealed that the promoters of Mahadev app and several of their associates had absconded to West Asian countries a few years ago and continue to operate this network from outside India.

Red Corner Notices have already been issued against four key accused in the case who had fled abroad. Action has also been initiated to have them declared fugitive economic offenders.