Moneycontrol PRO
HomeNewsIndiaMahadev Betting App Scam: Courier retracts statement against Chhattisgarh CM

Mahadev Betting App Scam: Courier retracts statement against Chhattisgarh CM

Alleged cash courier, Asim Das, retracts statement, claiming framing in Mahadev app case; denies delivering cash to politicians, challenging ED's narrative.

November 25, 2023 / 11:23 IST
Alleged cash courier, Asim Das, retracts statement, claiming framing in Mahadev app case; denies delivering cash to politicians, challenging ED's narrative.

In a surprising turn of events, Asim Das, the alleged cash courier in the Mahadev betting app scam case, has retracted his previous statement against Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Bhagel and other politicians. The revelation, made during a court hearing, adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing multi-crore scandal. Das, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), now asserts that he had been framed as part of a conspiracy and vehemently denies ever delivering cash to politicians.

The Mahadev betting app scandal has taken an unexpected twist with the alleged cash courier, Asim Das, retracting his earlier statement against Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Bhagel and other politicians. Das, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on November 3 along with constable Bhim Singh Yadav, claims he had been framed and forcefully made to sign a statement in English, a language he does not comprehend.

Das's retraction came during a court hearing, where he expressed that he had never delivered cash to politicians and that he was being implicated in the case as part of a conspiracy. In a letter written from jail to the Director of the ED and other higher authorities, Das stated that he was being wrongly accused and detailed the circumstances leading to his arrest.

Also Read: Dabur chairman, director booked in Mahadev betting app scam; Burman family dismisses allegations, says FIR false and baseless

This development challenges the foundation of the Mahadev betting app scandal, where the ED had alleged that Das, as a courier, delivered about Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The ED claimed that the seized funds were intended for election expenses of the ruling Congress Party.

Das's version contradicts the ED's narrative, as he maintains that he was asked to pick up a car at the Raipur airport, and bags of cash were placed in the vehicle by an unidentified person. Subsequently, Das alleges that he was taken into custody by ED officials, realizing only later that he was being implicated in the scandal.

Also Read: Mahadev betting app scam: Dabur India group chairman, director named in FIR; stocks trade 2% lower

Chhattisgarh CM Baghel has vehemently denied the allegations, accusing the BJP of misusing the ED for political gains. The political landscape in Chhattisgarh is now charged with conflicting narratives, further intensifying the scrutiny on the Mahadev app case.

The Mahadev betting app allowed users to bet in real-time on various games, including cricket, football, and tennis. The ED's investigation revealed a complex network involving money laundering through a series of untraceable bank accounts.

As the controversy unfolds, questions about the credibility of the accusations and the motives behind Das's retraction linger. The Mahadev app scandal, initially triggered by a lavish wedding celebration in the UAE, has now evolved into a high-stakes investigation involving multiple sectors, including politics, entertainment, and business. The retraction by the alleged cash courier adds a layer of intrigue to the already convoluted narrative of the Mahadev betting app scandal.

Also Read: Chhattisgarh Elections 2023: Can BJP stage a comeback with Mahadev betting app allegations?

Moneycontrol News
first published: Nov 25, 2023 11:23 am

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

  • On Saturdays

    Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

  • Daily-Weekdays

    Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347