Mahadev app owner Ravi Uppal detained in Dubai; ED seeks deportation
New Delhi (PTI): Ravi Uppal, one of the two main owners of the Mahadev online betting app, has been detained in Dubai by the local police on the basis of a red notice issued by the Interpol at the behest of the ED, official sources said Wednesday.
Uppal, 43, was detained last week in that country and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) authorities are in touch with the Dubai authorities to get him deported to India, they said.
The businessman is being probed by the ED in a money laundering case linked to alleged illegal betting through online apps apart from the Chhattisgarh and Mumbai Police crime branch.
The federal probe agency had filed a money laundering charge sheet against Uppal and another promoter of the Internet-based platform, Sourabh Chandrakar, before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Chhattisgarh's Raipur in October.
A red notice was subsequently issued against the two by the Interpol on the basis of the ED's request based on a court issued non-bailable warrant.
Process is on to find Chandrakant, 28, too, the sources said.
The agency had informed the court in the charge sheet that Uppal has taken a passport of Vanuatu, an island country in the Pacific Ocean, even as he has not renounced Indian citizenship.
Uppal, the ED said in the prosecution complaint, "generated and enjoyed proceeds of crime and is involved in their concealment and layering." It had alleged Uppal was "looking after the delivery of the liasioning money to the bureaucrats and politicians of Chhattisgarh through Chandrabhushan Verma", an assistant sub inspector of police, and some others.
The projected proceeds of crime in this case is about Rs 6,000 crore, according to the ED.
The agency had claimed in November, just before the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly polls, that forensic analysis and statement made by a 'cash courier' named Asim Das have led to "startling allegations" that Mahadev betting app promoters have paid about Rs 508 crore to former Chhattisgarh chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel so far, adding these allegations were "subject matter of investigation".
Das had later submitted before the special court in Raipur that he had been framed as part of a conspiracy and he had never delivered cash to politicians.
The ED investigation has shown that Mahadev Online Book App is run from a central head office in the UAE, officials said. It operates by franchising "Panel/Branches" to their known associates on 70-30 per cent profit ratio, it had said.
Large scale hawala operations are done to siphon off the proceeds of betting to off-shore accounts, it had said.
Large expenditure in cash is also being done in India for advertising of betting websites to attract new users and franchise (panel) seekers, the ED had said.
The company promoters hail from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh and the Mahadev online book betting application is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites.
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Controversy surrounding book on Shivaji Maharaj 'unwarranted', says Fadnavis
Solapur (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday termed as "unwarranted" the controversy over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in which Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly made objectionable remarks against its publisher.
An audio clip surfaced last week on social media, in which Gaikwad was heard using offensive language and threatening Kolhapur-based publisher Prashant Ambi. The MLA referred to the book titled 'Shivaji Kon Hota' (Who was Shivaji), written by CPI leader Govind Pansare and originally published in 1988.
Talking to reporters here, CM Fadnavis, "The book was published in the 1980s. Have those who have raked up a controversy read the book? The stature of the warrior king is so big that no one can insult him. Whatever is happening is anti-social and insensitive."
The controversy over the book is unwarranted, he said, and cautioned against attempts to sensationalise issues merely to remain in the news.
When asked about the BJP's candidates for the upcoming legislative council polls, Fadnavis said appointments and candidate selections are decided by the party's parliamentary board, and not by him individually.
"All decisions will be taken as per the party process," he said, adding that discussions are ongoing and outcomes will be known after due deliberations.
Nine council members, including former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, are retiring on May 13. As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India, polling will be held on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on the same day at 5 pm, and the entire process is expected to be completed by May 13.
The BJP has decided to contest four of the nine seats in the biennial elections.
On the sugar sector, he said the state has consistently achieved over 99 per cent of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) payments to farmers, though there may be minor fluctuations due to market conditions affecting sugar mills.
He added that the government has extended support to the sector and held meetings to address issues faced by factories. A committee has been formed to review post-season challenges and suggest policy measures, including possible assistance from the Centre.
