The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in the latest development, questioned CM Bhupesh Baghel’s political advisor Vinod Verma for his links with illegal betting racket of Mahadev Book app. Reportedly, Verma is alleged to be involved in a money laundering case related to illegal betting.

Apart from Verma, ED has also summoned Baghel’s special duty officer Manish Banchor and Ashish Verma. Several arrests were also made under the entire probe of Mahadev Book. ASI Chandrabhushan Verma, Satish Chandrakar, Sunil Dammani, and Anil Dammani are among the notable names of arrested people.

According to Siasat, both Anil and Sunil are operators of a hawala network and transferred money illegally. Many key details and evidences of money laundering were collected post their arrest. Durg Police’s IPS Abhishek Pallav also said that the racket is not limited to the state or India, but is widespread globally. He further said that this is a very planned and organized crime network in the illegal betting industry.

Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal still on the loose

Speaking of global networks, there have been allegations regarding involvement of Pakistan and Dubai’s gang in the racket. Some big names have emerged as a part of the initial inquiry, and ED is currently looking actively into the matter. Meanwhile, masterminds behind Mahadev Book, Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal are also on the loose in Dubai.

IPS Pallav also confirmed that extraction of the masterminds will not be easy. This is because the countries they operate from have legalized betting activities. However, a planned investigation may lead to the much-awaited arrest of Mahadev Book’s kingpins.

Coming back to Vinod Verma’s interrogation, his questioning is likely based on the information collected in the recent raids conducted by ED. Although, Verma’s involvement in Mahadev Book’s betting racket is not confirmed, the interrogation will answer all the questions. ED further revelations will provide the much-awaited clarification.