Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has vehemently criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after being named in the second charge sheet related to the Mahadev betting app case. Baghel slammed the ED, alleging coercion and a political agenda behind the inclusion of his name in the investigation.
The ED’s latest charge sheet in the Mahadev betting app case names five accused, including alleged cash courier Aseem Das, police constable Bheem Singh Yadav, and Shubham Soni, an executive connected to the app.
Baghel retaliated against the ED’s claims, citing Aseem Das’s earlier statement, asserting that Das had denied delivering money to any politician or their associates and claimed to have been deceived and falsely accused. Baghel accused the ED of manipulating Das’s statement, insinuating political pressures behind such developments.
The charge sheet arises amidst allegations of around ₹508 crore in bribes linked to the Mahadev app. Sources suggest that the senior Congress leader may receive a summons from the ED in connection with the case.
Accusing the ED of coercive tactics and framing, Baghel highlighted his role in initiating the investigation into the betting app scam. He expressed disappointment that what began as a government-led probe against gambling has transformed into a purported tool for political pressure and defamation.
The ED’s supplementary charge sheet involves revelations that Das, allegedly called to Dubai by Soni, was entrusted with cash intended for Baghel’s expenses during Chhattisgarh’s elections. The agency’s probe led to Das’s arrest in November last year, seizing Rs. 5.39 crore from him, supposedly earmarked for election-related spending.
The Raipur court is set to review the supplementary charge sheet on January 10, adding further intensity to the ongoing developments in the Mahadev app case, a situation that has sparked allegations, counter-accusations, and heightened tensions between political figures and investigative agencies.
Sources By Agencies