In a shocking turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a probe into a high-profile case involving a prominent event management company and several Bollywood celebrities. The investigation centers around the Mahadev app, an online betting platform that allegedly paid ₹40 crore to Bollywood stars for attending a lavish party in Dubai. This revelation has not only cast a shadow on the involved celebrities but has also exposed the deeper nexus between the entertainment industry and the world of online betting.
The Mahadev App Controversy
The Mahadev app has been under scrutiny for facilitating illicit betting on various live games, including cricket, badminton, tennis, football, and even Indian elections. The platform’s alleged involvement in illegal betting activities raised suspicions and prompted the ED to launch an investigation into its operations. The ED’s focus on this app intensified when it came to light that the app’s promoters, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, had orchestrated a grand party in Dubai and reportedly paid Bollywood celebrities a staggering ₹40 crore to attend.
Dubai Party and its Connections
The party, scheduled to take place at a seven-star luxury hotel in Dubai on 18 September, was organized to celebrate the apparent “grand success” of the Mahadev app. What caught the attention of investigators was the extravagant sum of ₹40 crore that was allegedly paid to Bollywood celebrities for their attendance. The event management company, a Mumbai-based entity, was tasked with organizing the party, and its role has come under the ED’s radar. Financial transactions involving both cash and online payments raised suspicions of irregularities, prompting the ED’s interest in the company’s operations.
Role of the Event Management Company
The event management company at the heart of the scandal finds itself entangled in a complex web of allegations and investigations. Hired by the Mahadev app, this Mumbai-based company played a pivotal role in organizing the Dubai party. Its responsibilities encompassed coordinating the participation of numerous high-profile guests, managing intricate logistical arrangements, and ensuring the seamless execution of the event. However, the financial transactions linked to the company have raised suspicions of potential financial irregularities, drawing the Enforcement Directorate’s keen attention to its operations. ED has searched the premises of an event management company in Malad. As the investigation unfolds, the company’s involvement in possibly facilitating alleged payments and its overall role in the scandal are becoming clearer.
Involvement of Bollywood Celebrities
Several Bollywood celebrities are now under the scanner of the ED due to their involvement in the Dubai party scandal. The agency’s investigation has reportedly focused on around a dozen stars, including a prominent comic and character artist, a top-tier male actor, a female comic star, and a leading Bollywood figure. Some of these celebrities have also endorsed the Mahadev app through YouTube videos, further linking them to the controversial platform.
Multi-State Investigation
The ED’s investigation into the Mahadev app scandal extends across several states, with cheating cases already registered in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. The agency’s search for the key promoters, who are believed to operate from Dubai, highlights the international dimensions of this case. A lookout notice has been issued for these individuals, indicating the seriousness of their alleged involvement.
The Mahadev app scandal involving the payment of ₹40 crore to Bollywood celebrities for attending a Dubai party has exposed the intricate connections between the entertainment industry and online betting platforms. The ED’s investigation not only seeks to uncover financial irregularities but also shines a light on the broader issue of celebrities endorsing potentially harmful activities. As the probe unfolds, it remains to be seen how this scandal will impact the public’s perception of both the entertainment industry and online betting platforms.
ED has searched the premises of an event management company in Malad.