In a major development in the ongoing Mahadev betting app case, actor Sahil Khan was arrested by the Mumbai Police on Sunday. Khan, known for films like ‘Style’ and ‘Excuse Me’, was apprehended in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, following a tip-off and a nearly 40-hour-long operation. This comes after the Bombay High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea earlier this week.
The Mahadev betting app case has been under investigation by the Mumbai Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) for alleged illegal online gambling activities. The scam is estimated to be around ₹15,000 crore, making it one of the biggest betting scandals in India. The SIT has been probing the links between the app’s promoters, financial institutions, and real estate firms.
According to sources, Sahil Khan was allegedly associated with another betting app called ‘The Lion Book App’, which is believed to be part of the wider Mahadev network. He was previously questioned by the SIT in connection with the case. However, after the High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea, Sahil Khan reportedly went into hiding, prompting the launch of a manhunt.
“We received information about Sahil Khan’s location in Chhattisgarh and coordinated with the local police to effect the arrest,” a senior Mumbai Police official said. “He will be brought back to Mumbai and produced before a court for further proceedings.”
The arrest of Sahil Khan marks a significant development in the investigation. Khan’s association with the film industry and his social media influence raise further questions about the potential reach of the betting app and its possible connection to celebrities.
Earlier this week, actress Tamannaah Bhatia was also summoned by the SIT for questioning regarding her alleged promotion of a subsidiary app linked to Mahadev. While Bhatia has denied any involvement in the betting activities, her connection to the case has further fuelled media attention.
The Mahadev betting app case highlights the growing concern around online gambling in India. With increasing internet penetration and smartphone use, online betting platforms have become easily accessible, raising fears of financial fraud, addiction, and money laundering.
The investigation into the Mahadev app is expected to shed light on the modus operandi of these illegal gambling operations and expose the network of individuals involved. The arrest of a prominent actor like Sahil Khan is likely to put pressure on authorities to take stricter measures against online betting and raise awareness about its dangers.
The Road Ahead
The investigation into the Mahadev betting app case is far from over. The arrest of Sahil Khan is likely to lead to further investigations, potentially unearthing new information and uncovering other individuals involved.
The case also highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms to combat online gambling in India. The government may need to consider stricter laws and stricter penalties for those involved in promoting or facilitating illegal betting activities.
Furthermore, public awareness campaigns can help educate people about the risks associated with online gambling and encourage responsible online behaviour.
The Mahadev betting app case serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by online gambling in India. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the outcome of the investigation and the future course of action to curb this illegal activity.
