Govt blocks Mahadev app, 21 other illegal betting platforms on Enforcement Directorate's request

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting platforms, including Mahadev app and Reddyannaprestopro, on request of Enforcement Directorate, an official statement said on Sunday.

"Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps & websites, including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro," the statement said.

Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged that the Chhattisgarh government did not send any request to block these platforms despite having powers to do so.

“Chhattisgarh Government had all the power to recommend shutting down of website under Sec 69A IT Act. The First & Only request has been received from ED," Chandrasekhar said.

The action follows investigations conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against illegal betting app syndicate and subsequent raids on Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh, revealing the app's unlawful operations, it added.

"Chhattisgarh Government had all the power to recommend shutting down of website/app under Sec 69A IT Act. However, they did not do so and no such request is made by the State Government while they have been investigating it for last 1.5 years. In fact, the first and only request has been received from ED and it has been acted upon. Nothing prevented Chhattisgarh Government from making similar requests," Chandrasekhar said.

Accused Bhim Singh Yadav, working as a constable in the Chhattisgarh police force, and one Asim Das are currently in custody, having been arrested for violating Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the statement said.

The owners of Mahadev Book are currently in custody, having been arrested under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for commission of the offence of Money laundering u/s 3, punishable u/s 4 of PMLA, 2002.

Earlier on Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had conducted search operations against the money laundering networks linked with the alleged Mahadev Book Online Betting app, which had led to the recovery of cash of Rs 5.39 crore and a bank balance of Rs 15.59 crore.