CBI Searches Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's Residence in Mahadev Betting App Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on [Date]. The searches were conducted in connection with the Mahadev betting app case, which involves allegations of illegal online gambling and money laundering.
The CBI teams searched Baghel's residence in Raipur and Bhilai, as well as the residential premises of a senior police officer and close aide of Baghel. The searches are believed to be part of a larger investigation into the Mahadev betting app, which is suspected to have generated illegal profits of over Rs 6,000 crore.
The Mahadev betting app case came to light in 2022, when the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Chhattisgarh Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the app's promoters and several other individuals, including Baghel. The EOW investigation revealed that the app was being used for illegal online gambling and money laundering activities.
Following the EOW's investigation, the CBI took over the case in 2023. The CBI has been conducting searches and interrogations in connection with the case, and the recent searches at Baghel's residence are seen as a significant development in the investigation.
The searches have triggered a political storm in Chhattisgarh, with the Congress party, to which Baghel belongs, accusing the BJP-led central government of using the CBI to target its political opponents. The Congress has alleged that the searches are politically motivated and aimed at harassing Baghel.
The BJP, on the other hand, has defended the CBI's actions, stating that the agency is simply carrying out its duty to investigate the case. The BJP has also accused the Congress of trying to shield Baghel from investigation.
The Mahadev betting app case is still under investigation, and it remains to be seen what the outcome of the investigation will be. However, the recent searches at Baghel's residence have undoubtedly added a new dimension to the case and are likely to further intensify the political battle between the Congress and the BJP in Chhattisgarh.