CBI Names Ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel in Mahadev Betting App Scandal Probe

NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a dramatic turn of events, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has thrust former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel into the spotlight, naming him as a key figure in the sprawling Mahadev Betting App scandal. This high-stakes case, which unravels a web of alleged criminal conspiracy and illicit financial dealings, has sent shockwaves through India’s political and legal arenas. As of April 2, 2025, the unfolding investigation promises to reshape public trust and political narratives in Chhattisgarh and beyond. What does this mean for Baghel, a prominent Congress leader, and the millions affected by this shadowy betting empire? Let’s dive into the human stories, intricate details, and far-reaching implications of this breaking news.

Below is a concise and well-organized Key Facts Table summarizing the critical details of the CBI’s investigation into the Mahadev Betting App scandal involving former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. This table is designed to enhance readability and provide a quick reference for readers, complementing the detailed news article.

Key Facts: CBI Investigation into Bhupesh Baghel and Mahadev Betting Scandal

A Political Titan Under Fire

On December 18, 2024, the CBI took a decisive step by registering a First Information Report (FIR) that lists Bhupesh Baghel as accused number six among 19 named individuals tied to the Mahadev Betting App case. The FIR, made public on April 1, 2025, accuses Baghel and others of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and violations under the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act. This move follows a meticulous investigation sparked by an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report, which alleges that Baghel was a direct beneficiary of the illegal betting proceeds. For the people of Chhattisgarh, who once saw Baghel as a champion of their interests during his tenure from 2018 to 2023, these accusations strike a deeply personal chord, raising questions about integrity and accountability.

The Mahadev Betting Empire: A Digital Underworld

Origins and Operations

At the heart of this scandal lies the Mahadev Online Book, a Dubai-based betting platform allegedly masterminded by Sourabh Chandrakar, Ravi Uppal, Shubham Soni, and Anil Kumar Agrawal. What began as a seemingly innocuous online service ballooned into a sophisticated “betting empire,” raking in an estimated Rs 450 crore (approximately $54 million USD) monthly, according to the ED. Operating through vast call centers and leveraging social media platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, the app facilitated illegal gambling on everything from sports to card games. The promoters, now reportedly citizens of Vanuatu, are accused of using cryptocurrencies to obscure their financial trail, evading law enforcement across borders.

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The Human Cost

Behind the staggering figures are countless ordinary citizens ensnared by the app’s allure. From young professionals betting on cricket matches to small-town residents chasing quick wins, the Mahadev app preyed on vulnerable individuals, often leaving them in financial ruin. Stories of families fractured by gambling debts have begun to surface, painting a grim picture of the app’s societal toll in Chhattisgarh and beyond.

Baghel’s Alleged Role: From Protector to Profiteer?

The ED’s Damning Claims

The ED’s report, now a cornerstone of the CBI’s case, paints a troubling portrait of Baghel’s involvement. It alleges that Chandrabhushan Verma, a police official acting as a liaison between the Dubai-based promoters and Chhattisgarh’s political elite, facilitated regular payments to Baghel’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and political advisor. A pivotal piece of evidence emerged in 2023 when the ED seized Rs 5.39 crore in cash from Asim Das, an alleged cash courier arrested in Raipur. A voice note recovered from Das’s phone, purportedly from Shubham Soni, explicitly mentions funds intended for “Mr. Baghel”—identified by Das as the former Chief Minister. The ED claims these payments were part of a broader pattern, with Soni admitting to prior transactions.

Baghel’s Defense

Baghel has vehemently denied these allegations, framing the CBI’s actions as a politically motivated attack orchestrated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking after CBI searches at his residence on March 26, 2025, he highlighted his administration’s efforts to combat the betting racket, citing 74 FIRs, over 200 arrests, and the freezing of 2,000 related bank accounts during his tenure. “How can someone who cracked down on the app be accused of protecting it?” Baghel asked, accusing the BJP-led “double engine government” of shielding the real culprits while targeting him for political gain.

The Investigation Intensifies

CBI’s Next Steps

The CBI’s re-registration of the Chhattisgarh Economic Offences Wing (EOW) FIR marks the beginning of a deeper probe. Following standard procedure for state-referred cases, the agency is now tasked with verifying the ED’s findings and uncovering the full scope of the conspiracy. Searches conducted across 60 locations, including Baghel’s homes in Raipur and Bhilai, have yielded what the CBI calls “incriminating digital and documentary evidence.” As the investigation progresses, the agency may summon senior officials and even Baghel himself for questioning, with a final report to be submitted to a special court.

A Global Chase

The international dimension of the case adds further complexity. With key promoters like Chandrakar and Uppal operating from Dubai, and others potentially beyond India’s reach in Vanuatu, the CBI faces the daunting task of coordinating with global authorities. Baghel has pointed fingers at the central government, alleging inaction despite his administration’s requests for lookout circulars against the fugitives—a claim that intensifies the political slugfest surrounding the scandal.

Ripple Effects: Trust, Politics, and Justice

Shaken Public Faith

For Chhattisgarh’s residents, the allegations against Baghel—a figure once celebrated for his grassroots leadership—threaten to erode trust in public institutions. The notion that a chief minister might have profited from an operation exploiting his own constituents has sparked outrage and disillusionment, particularly among the state’s youth, who feel betrayed by the political class.

A Political Powder Keg

As India gears up for future elections, the Mahadev scandal is poised to become a lightning rod. The BJP, which wrested Chhattisgarh from Congress in 2023, is likely to weaponize the CBI’s findings to tarnish its rival’s image. Meanwhile, Baghel’s counter-narrative of victimization could rally Congress supporters, framing the case as a vendetta by a vindictive central government. The stakes are high, with the outcome potentially influencing voter sentiment nationwide.

The Quest for Accountability

Beyond politics, the case underscores the urgent need to dismantle illegal betting networks that thrive on technological loopholes and human desperation. Whether Baghel is ultimately exonerated or held accountable, the CBI’s pursuit of justice will set a precedent for how India confronts corruption and organized crime in the digital age.

(India CSR)