Brief
In a shocking turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate has brought forth some grave allegations against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, involving the controversial Mahadev betting app. The heart of the matter revolves around a ‘cash courier,’ Asim Das, whose claims have sent ripples across the political landscape of the state. With emotions running high and election fever in the air, the state finds itself entangled in a web of accusations, with the very integrity of its leaders at stake.
Details
The Enforcement Directorate, on a fateful Friday, made an announcement that sent shockwaves through Chhattisgarh’s political sphere. Asim Das, the alleged ‘cash courier,’ had been apprehended by the agency, with an astounding sum of Rs 5.39 crore recovered from him. This was no ordinary cash transfer; Asim Das claimed that he had been dispatched by the promoters of the Mahadev betting app, all the way from the UAE, for the specific purpose of delivering a substantial amount of cash earmarked for the election expenses of the ruling Congress Party.
ED has conducted search operations on 2/11/2023 against the money laundering networks linked with Mahadev Book Online Betting APP in Chhatishgarh in which Cash of Rs. 5.39 Crore and Bank balance Rs. 15.59 Crore has been intercepted and frozen/ seized. pic.twitter.com/ZItQV2VWOB
— ED (@dir_ed) November 3, 2023
The statement issued by the Enforcement Directorate was no less shocking, alleging, “Asim Das has admitted that the seized funds were arranged by the Mahadev app promoters to be delivered to one politician ‘Baghel’ for upcoming election expenses in the state of Chhattisgarh.” What followed was a cascade of startling revelations. Through the interrogation of Das, a forensic examination of his phone, and the scrutiny of an email sent by Shubam Soni, a high-ranking figure in the Mahadev network, a colossal claim surfaced: the app promoters had made regular payments totalling a staggering Rs 508 crore to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
Amidst the tumultuous election season, the BJP seized the opportunity to target the Congress, asserting that the ruling party was using ‘illegal money’ to fund their campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Durg, did not mince his words, stating, “Congress party’s Chhattisgarh government is leaving no opportunity to loot you. They did not even spare the name of Mahadev.”
The allegations have placed Bhupesh Baghel squarely in the crosshairs of the Enforcement Directorate. The revelation came to light when Asim Das, revealed that he was instructed to deliver the money to a politician named ‘Baghel.’ Furthermore, he claimed that the Mahadev app promoters had already disbursed a whopping Rs 508 crore to Chief Minister Baghel.
However, it’s essential to note that the Enforcement Directorate has emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing, and these allegations are yet to be independently verified. Prime Minister Modi pledged that action would be taken against all accused once the BJP forms the government in the state. “Action will indeed be taken against those who looted Chhattisgarh. Every penny will be accounted for, and those who have looted the state will be held accountable,” he promised.
Union Minister Smriti Irani added fuel to the fire, alleging that Congress was utilizing “hawala” money to finance their campaign. Hawala is an unconventional method of transferring money, with no physical cash involved, operating on trust. The Mahadev app is alleged to have conducted massive hawala operations to siphon off betting proceeds into offshore accounts.
In response to these grave accusations, Bhupesh Baghel has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He has accused the Enforcement Directorate of launching a “malicious attempt” to tarnish his image, especially at a critical juncture, just before the elections. In a fiery rebuttal, he pointed fingers at PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of resorting to central investigation agencies when their attempts to challenge the ruling Congress in the state fell short.
Concluding Thoughts
With emotions running high and the state elections just around the corner, Chhattisgarh finds itself at a crossroads, facing serious allegations against its Chief Minister. The drama and suspense that have unfolded in the wake of these revelations have left the people of Chhattisgarh in a state of unease, as they wait for the truth to emerge amidst the political turmoil. The fate of the state and its leaders hangs in the balance, and only time will tell how this gripping saga unfolds.
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