The BJP  has accused the previous Congress Government in Chhattisgarh of providing political protection to the Mahadev betting app syndicate, following the arrest of its alleged kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar and his return from Oman to India for a court appearance in Raipur. BJP state spokesperson Ujjwal Deepak said Chandrakar’s arrest would bring several aspects of the alleged betting racket to light and questioned the role of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and other individuals associated with his Government. He alleged that the betting network expanded during the Congress Government’s tenure and operated with the support of people in positions of power.

 

Deepak claimed that the Mahadev betting syndicate grew into an estimated Rs 6,000-crore operation, allegedly involving illegal financial transactions and payments to officials and influential individuals. He also referred to allegations that Rs 508 crore was delivered to Baghel, stating that the matter was under investigation. The BJP spokesperson said the State Government had transferred the investigation into the alleged scam to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after assuming office. He said Chandrakar’s arrest and appearance before a Raipur court were significant developments in the investigation. Deepak also questioned the alleged involvement of officials and individuals, including Chandrabhushan Verma, who served as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) during the previous Government. He said investigators should establish who received money and commissions generated through the betting network and who provided it political protection. Asserting that those involved in the alleged racket would face legal action, Deepak urged the Congress leadership to respond to the allegations. He said the investigation should uncover the financial transactions and the roles of all those suspected of involvement.