The assembly poll results of five states were out on December 3 with the BJP winning three states, including Chhattisgarh where the Mahadev Book illegal betting app controversy appears to have played a major role in the ruling party’s (Congress) defeat.
Post the results, former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and the leader of the opposition Jairam Thakur attacked the Congress for their defeats in three states and alleged that Himachal Pradesh elections, that were held last year, were also funded with proceeds from Mahadev Book operations.
Thakur claimed that several scams, including Mahadev Book, took place in Chhattisgarh during Bhupesh Baghel’s tenure as Chief Minister. In fact, the Chhattisgarh CM is being accused by ED for taking over Rs 500 crore as bribe from Mahadev Book operatives.
While Baghel has claimed them to be false allegations and the Enforcement Directorate is currently investigating the matter, it did not stop the opposition from making claims that a part of the election funding came from Mahadev Book operatives.
Congratulating the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah, Thakur said that the Congress used to show Chhattisgarh as a model state, however, the reality was all about scams, reported ETV Bharat.
Mahadev Book – Still a threat
Regardless of what the reasons for Congress’ defeat in Chhattisgarh may be, the ED and multiple state police departments are currently investigating the Mahadev Book illegal betting app network, with multiple people in custody and lookout notices issued against many others.
It is considered to be the biggest illegal betting network in India with several apps as part of it. The money earned by the operators is allegedly channelled either through multiple dummy bank accounts the access of which is obtained by fraud, or through hawala channels.