‘Lottery King’ under investigation for money laundering emerges as top buyer of electoral bonds
New Delhi: A recent analysis of data released by the Election Commission of India has uncovered India's leading lottery company, led by a controversial businessman, as the primary purchaser of electoral bonds. Among other notable buyers are Hyderabad-based infrastructure giant Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited, a Reliance-linked company QwikSupply Chain, mining conglomerate Vedanta, and a subsidiary of the Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka group, among others.
Future Gaming and Hotel Services, a prominent lottery giant, emerged as the top purchaser, acquiring 1,208 bonds amounting to Rs 1,208 crore. The company, with a turnover of Rs 7,000 crore, is headed by Martin Santiago, commonly known as 'Lottery King' Martin. However, Future Gaming has been under investigation for alleged money laundering activities.
Following closely behind is the Megha group of companies, which includes Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) and Western U.P. Power Transmission Company Ltd (WUPPTCL). MEIL purchased 966 bonds, each worth Rs 1 crore, totaling Rs 966 crore, while WUPPTCL acquired bonds worth Rs 220 crore, bringing the Megha Engineering's total contribution to Rs 1,186 crore. The Hyderabad-based Megha group has secured numerous government projects, notably including roles in the Rs 1.15 lakh crore Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in Telangana and the Rs 14,400 crore Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Project in Maharashtra.
Qwik Supply Chain Private Limited, headquartered in Maharashtra, emerged as another significant buyer, acquiring bonds worth Rs 410 crore. Notably, one of the company's directors, Tapas Mitra, also holds directorial positions in various Reliance-affiliated entities.
Other notable purchasers include Haldia Energy Limited, Vedanta Limited, and Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital based in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad.
This report is part of a collaborative effort involving three news organisations – Newslaundry, Scroll, The News Minute – and freelance journalists and is subject to further developments.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
