New Delhi: TV host and former Bigg Boss contestant Shefali Bagga is being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Mahadev betting app case, ThePrint has learnt.
The ED has alleged that Bagga “was the face of betting apps that are being operated from overseas cities such as Dubai and London”.
This comes days after the ED arrested a Delhi BJP office-bearer, Vikas Garg.
The federal agency had opened a money laundering case in connection with the Mahadev Online Book app based on dozens of FIRs registered in Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and other states on the charge of illegal gambling. The investigation found that Mahadev Online Book was founded by two individuals, Sourabh Chandarkar and Ravi Uppal, from Bhilai district in Chhattisgarh.
According to probe findings, the application was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic and soon created a web of online gambling and pyramid schemes to siphon off funds. People who used the platform were allegedly duped and the money was diverted to Uppal and Chandrakar through hawala channels.
ThePrint has reached out to Bagga for comment via email. This report will be updated if a response is received.
‘Face of betting apps’
Sources said the ED is questioning Bagga in connection with the betting app case at the Raipur Zonal office. On her Instagram account, Bagga identifies herself as a TV host and actor. She regularly posts about cricket, does reality TV shows, and promotional content for multiple companies.
“Shefali Bagga is a close associate of Khanjan Jagdish Kumar Thakkar, who runs and promotes the betting app in India,” said an ED source. Kumar Thakkar, the source added, is suspected to be a hawala operator for Mahadev Online Book.
ED sources further said that the agency had found “incriminating evidence” and “promotional pages” where Bagga is “not only promoting the betting app, but also giving tips to the players”.
(Edited by Gitanjali Das)
Also Read: Why India’s request to extradite Mahadev app promoter detained in Oman may run into delays