Mahadev App Generated ₹94,400 Crore in Illegal Proceeds

The Enforcement Directorate informed a Raipur PMLA court that the Mahadev Online Book app and associated betting platforms generated ₹94,400 crore in illegal proceeds over a decade. This claim was made in the sixth prosecution complaint, or charge sheet, which named 42 individuals and companies as accused.

What Happened

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) reported to a Raipur PMLA court that the Mahadev Online Book app and its related betting websites produced ₹94,400 crore in proceeds of crime over a period of 10 years, according to India Today. This disclosure was part of the sixth prosecution complaint, or charge sheet, filed recently, which implicated 42 individuals and entities.

The ED initiated a money laundering investigation in October 2022, following seven police First Information Reports (FIRs) filed in Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. The agency stated that the Mahadev app, largely managed by promoters and panel members from Chhattisgarh, functioned as a network of illegal betting websites based abroad. These platforms were promoted through closed WhatsApp and Telegram groups, as well as Facebook pages, targeting individuals with promises of financial gains through betting and entertainment, India Today reported.

Key Details

• The Mahadev Online Book app and linked sites generated ₹94,400 crore in criminal proceeds over 10 years, as stated by the ED (India Today).
• The ED’s sixth charge sheet named 42 individuals and companies as accused in the case (India Today).
• Investigation findings indicate the Mahadev app remains operational, managing a significant number of betting panels (India Today).
• The ED estimates the Mahadev app generated ₹75,000 crore to ₹80,000 crore in proceeds over the last seven years, with sister sites Skyexchange.com and Lotus365.com contributing an additional ₹11,000 crore to ₹12,000 crore and ₹2,400 crore, respectively (India Today).
• The agency alleged the app’s operations involved local police and politicians in Chhattisgarh, who reportedly received illegal gratification to overlook the activities (India Today).

Why It Matters

This case highlights the substantial financial scale of illegal online betting operations within regulated markets. The alleged involvement of public officials and the continued operation of the platforms underscore challenges in enforcement and regulatory oversight. The aggregation of such significant proceeds of crime, as reported by the ED, indicates a sophisticated network that leverages digital platforms for illegal activities, impacting financial integrity and public trust.

What’s Next

The ED’s investigation is ongoing, with 14 arrests made, assets worth ₹2,104 crore seized or attached, and 116 accused identified across six charge sheets, as per India Today. Searches have been conducted at 190 locations nationwide. The agency noted that the provided figures are provisional estimates, and any further evidence will be presented to the court. The legal proceedings will continue against the named individuals and entities, potentially expanding the scope of the investigation.

Originally reported by India Today·Published 24 Sep 2026, 15:29