Nine years after India’s biggest illegal betting probe began, the Enforcement Directorate says the racket hasn’t slowed down — it’s grown into one of the largest money laundering operations the country has ever tracked. The Mahadev online betting app and its network of sister platforms have allegedly generated proceeds of crime worth Rs 94,400 crore, and shockingly, the ED told a Raipur court the main platform is still operational.
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The revelation came in the agency’s sixth prosecution complaint, filed before a special PMLA court in Chhattisgarh, naming 42 individuals and companies as accused. According to the ED, Mahadev Online Book is a conglomeration of illegal betting websites hosted abroad, promoted through closed WhatsApp and Telegram groups along with Facebook pages — deliberately targeting thousands of young users chasing quick money through betting and gaming.
The agency estimates Rs 75,000-80,000 crore of that total came in just the last seven years alone, with sister sites Skyexchange.com and Lotus365.com contributing roughly Rs 11,000-12,000 crore and Rs 2,400 crore respectively. Investigators also allege the operation survived this long thanks to “active support and connivance” from local police and politicians in Chhattisgarh.
Mahadev App: Case
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total Proceeds Alleged | Rs 94,400 crore |
| Case Filed | October 2022, under PMLA |
| Charge Sheets Filed | 6 |
| Total Accused Identified | 116 |
| Arrests So Far | 14 |
| Assets Seized/Attached | Rs 2,104 crore |
| Premises Searched | 190 nationwide |
What Else the ED Found?
A prominent TV host who allegedly promoted illegal betting apps reportedly earned Rs 1.50 crore through endorsements and returned Rs 1.20 crore to the agency after her homes in Delhi and Mumbai were raided. Investigators also flagged local panel operators funding lavish weddings, property, gold, and cars using illicit earnings.
For more updates on regulatory crackdowns and the sports betting landscape in India, check out our gaming and betting law coverage and latest sports industry news on TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Mahadev app still active?
Yes — the ED told the court it’s still operational and running a “huge” number of panels despite years of investigation.
Q2: How much money has the Mahadev scam generated?
An estimated Rs 94,400 crore over roughly 10 years, according to the ED’s latest charge sheet.
