Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has been embroiled in controversy following an FIR filed against him in the Mahadev online betting app case by the Economic Offences Wing of Raipur. Baghel has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The FIR accuses Baghel of several offenses under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, including bribery, criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery. This action follows statements recorded by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from a 'cash courier' alleging that Baghel received Rs 508 crore from the Mahadev betting app promoters.
According to the FIR, the app promoters allegedly paid "protection money" to influential politicians and other authorities to evade investigation, with payments facilitated through hawala operators. Baghel has refuted these claims, suggesting a political agenda behind his implication, particularly given his candidacy in the Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency.
Expressing skepticism over the timing and nature of the accusations, Baghel has questioned the delay in the arrest of the app promoters and has accused investigative agencies of pressuring individuals to implicate him in the case. He has also criticized the involvement of external agencies like the ED in a matter that he claims was initially under the jurisdiction of the Chhattisgarh government.
Baghel has asserted that the FIR's publication occurred only after media scrutiny and has pointed out discrepancies in its contents, alleging deliberate framing and political vendetta. The Mahadev app case involves a significant scandal surrounding an online betting platform facilitating illegal gambling on various sports and games.
Besides Baghel, the FIR also names 16 other individuals, including the app promoters Ravi Uppal and Sourabh Chandrakar. The timing of these charges, just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, has raised questions about potential political motivations behind the allegations against Baghel.
