Mrugank Mishra, described as one of the key accused in the Mahadev betting app case, was arrested at the Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International airport on his arrival from Dubai on Sunday1. He had allegedly helped the promoters of the Mahadev Betting App open over 1,600 dubious bank accounts to divert money, according to a probe agency source1. Sahar police then handed him over to a Rajasthan police team1.
A Look out Circular was opened against Mishra by the Rajasthan's Pratapgarh police station in connection with a criminal case registered against the Mahadev betting app there1. Mishra, originally from Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, was allegedly hiding in Dubai, and was detained at the airport by security personnel on arrival because of the circular1. Multiple cases have been filed in connection with the app across various states1.
The Enforcement Directorate is conducting a money laundering probe into the case and is in the process of establishing Mishra's link with main accused Saurabh Chandrakar1. The agency in August arrested businessmen brothers Sunil and Anil Dammani, assistant sub-inspector Chandra Bhushan Verma, and Satish Chandrakar1. Two main promoters, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, who hail from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, are still wanted in connection with the money laundering probe1.
According to the Enforcement Directorate, Mahadev Online Book provides platforms for illegal betting in live games such as poker and other card games, chance games, cricket, badminton, tennis, football and others, even providing an avenue to bet on different elections in India1. It also provides a facility to play and gamble on card games such as teen patti, poker, dragon tiger and virtual cricket games among others1.
The agency has summoned actors Ranbir Kapoor, Huma Qureshi and Hina Khan, and comedian Kapil Sharma for questioning in connection with the case1. The central agency wanted to inquire into payments the actors received for promoting the app, and the actors have written to the agency seeking more time to appear before them1. So far, the Enforcement Directorate has conducted searches at 39 locations across Raipur, Bhopal, Mumbai and Kolkata and seized illegal assets worth Rs 417 crore1.
What it means for players
The case concerns an app that the Enforcement Directorate says offered betting on card games, sports and elections in India1. Players in India face the same legal position as before: the money laundering probe and the arrests target people accused of running and promoting the operation, not the outcome of individual bets. Anyone assessing an operator in the region can read our guide to gambling scams and safety in Asia, which covers fake sites, rigged games and how to report problems. For the legal position on betting in the country, see can I gamble in India.
What happens next
Mishra is in the custody of Rajasthan police1. The Enforcement Directorate is still working to establish his link with Saurabh Chandrakar1. Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal remain wanted in the money laundering probe1. The summoned actors have asked for more time to appear1. No date has been reported for their questioning or for any further court step.
