Mumbai Crime Branch makes first arrest in Rs 15,000 cr Mahdev Betting App case

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The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Mumbai Crime Branch has secured its first arrest in connection with the ₹15,000 crore Mahdev betting app case. Following the FIR filed by Matunga Police last year, the case was transferred to the crime branch, leading to the formation of the SIT.

Dixit Kothari (27), the arrested person, was identified by the Mumbai Crime Branch as a key player behind the notorious LotusBook 08, widely recognized in 2021 and still operational for betting activities. The Special Investigation Team disclosed that Kothari's email address was used for domain acquisition, and he has been contributing ₹20 lakh for maintenance fees for the past two years. The SIT is actively pursuing other participants in Mahdev betting app case.

Officials emphasized that, despite India's betting ban, the accused exploited legal loopholes, registering the website on a foreign domain while facilitating betting within India.

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Matunga police, acting on magistrate court orders, registered a case against 31 individuals, including prominent corporates. Actor Sahil Khan, also named in the FIR, was summoned by the SIT, but he has not appeared, and his anticipatory bail was rejected by the court.

On December 14, 2023, Ravi Uppal, one of the two main owners of the Mahadev online betting app, was detained in Dubai by the local police on the basis of a red notice issued by the Interpol at the behest of the ED.

Uppal, 43, was detained in Dubai and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) authorities are in touch with the Dubai authorities to get him deported to India. Another syndicate promoter, Sourabh Chandrakar, also has red corner notice against him.

The ED's inquiry uncovered a luxurious UAE wedding where about Rs 2000 crore was paid in cash, raising concerns. Chandrakar had reportedly rented private jets and paid film industry personalities with cash, drawing the notice of the ED.

The Mahadev Online Book Betting software was used to host illegal betting websites, with money being laundered through Benami bank accounts. The ED disclosed details about money laundering, including wedding expenses and alleged Dubai operations by Chandrakar and Uppal.