Bollywood actor and fitness trainer Sahil Khan has found himself embroiled in the Mahadev betting app case. The Mumbai Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Khan in connection with the alleged scam related to online betting applications. Here’s what we know so far:
Sahil Khan was detained from Chhattisgarh’s Jagdalpur after the Bombay High Court rejected his pre-arrest bail plea. The court cited that Khan was “directly connected with an online betting application.” The actor, known for his roles in Bollywood films like “Style” and “Excuse Me,” has been under scrutiny by the SIT for his alleged involvement in promoting online betting apps. He becomes the 1st person from the sports and fitness world to join the list of celebs involved in the scam.
An FIR was registered against Sahil Khan for allegedly promoting online betting applications, including the Khiladi Book, a division of the Mahadev app. The complaint, filed by social activist Prakash Bankar, highlighted several web portals designed for online betting on cricket, football, tennis, and card games. Khan was one of the accused named in the FIR, which alleges a massive fraud amounting to ₹15,000 crore.
#SahilKhanArrested | Mumbai SIT detains Actor #SahilKhan from Chhattisgarh in #MahadevBettingApp case pic.twitter.com/I0ZAlgWdz5
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 28, 2024
The Mahadev Betting App Case
The SIT is investigating illegal transactions involving financial and real estate firms in Maharashtra and their connection to the promoters of the Mahadev betting app. The scam, as per the FIR, involves a staggering ₹15,000 crore. Mumbai police have registered a case against 32 individuals in connection with this high-profile investigation.
In the past, many A-lister celebrities were under the spotlight for being involved in the scam.
Ranbir Kapoor
The actor was summoned by the investigating agencies for his alleged involvement in the company. However, no direct link was proved.
Tamannah Bhatia
In March 2024, Bhatia’s role in the company and her involvement (ads and promotion) brought her in the spotlight of the ED. She is still getting questioned by the agencies regularly.
Kapil Sharma
The comedy king was also questioned by the agencies for his appearance in some functions and events of the company and the founder Chandrakant himself.
No Sports Person involved in the sports betting app?
While Sahil Khan’s case has garnered significant attention, other sports personalities might also come under the scanner. However, till date no cricketer or athletes have been questioned by the ED. The major focus of the investigation has been around multiple Bollywood stars who were either directly involved with the founders or were endorsing the company.
The Mahadev betting app case involves allegations of match-fixing, illegal hawala transactions, and cryptocurrency dealings. The ownership of the company lies with Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, who allegedly provided online avenues for illegal betting on live games, including cricket, tennis, badminton, poker, and card games.
As investigations continue, the sports community awaits further revelations. The case serves as a stark reminder that even those in the limelight are not immune to legal scrutiny. The Mahadev scandal underscores the need for vigilance and transparency in the world of sports betting.
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