Courier arrested in Mahadev betting app case alleges framing

An alleged courier arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the Mahadev betting app case has alleged that he was framed up as part of a conspiracy and he had never delivered cash to politicians.

In a recent development, an alleged courier arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Mahadev betting app case has submitted before a special court in Raipur that he was framed as part of a conspiracy. Asim Das, the alleged cash courier, and constable Bhim Singh Yadav were apprehended by the ED on November 3, just four days prior to the first phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly elections.

Accused Courier Claims Innocence, Alleges Conspiracy

Das, represented by lawyer Shoaib Alvi, appeared before Ajay Singh Rajput, a special judge for Prevention of Money Laundering Act cases, upon the expiration of their judicial remand. Das asserted that he was implicated in the case and that the ED forced him to sign a statement in English, a language he does not comprehend. He has written a letter to the ED Director and sent copies to higher authorities, including the Prime Minister's Office, stating his innocence and alleging that he was being framed.

Courier's Dubai Trips and Connection to Key Accused

According to Das's letter, he visited Dubai twice in October this year at the behest of his childhood friend Shubham Soni, who is one of the key accused in the case. Das claims that Soni wanted to start a construction business in Chhattisgarh and asked Das to join him, promising to arrange the necessary funds. On the day of his arrest, Das was instructed to pick up a car at the Raipur airport and check into a hotel on the VIP road. Later, he was asked to park on the road, where an unknown individual placed bags of cash in the car and left.

ED's Allegations and Accused's Denial

The ED, however, claims that forensic analysis and Das's statement indicate that the Mahadev betting app promoters paid approximately Rs 508 crore to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Das was arrested in Raipur with Rs 5.39 crore in cash in his possession, and the ED alleges that he was sent by the app promoters from the UAE to deliver a substantial amount of money for the electioneering expenses of the ruling Congress Party. Despite these allegations, Das maintains his innocence and denies supplying money or assistance to any political leaders or workers.

Chief Minister's Denial and Accusations Against BJP

In response to the allegations, Chief Minister Baghel vehemently denied any involvement and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing the ED as it anticipated defeat in the elections. The case has sparked political tension in Chhattisgarh, with the Congress Party and the BJP engaged in a war of words over the allegations and counter-allegations.

The Mahadev betting app case continues to unfold as the ED's investigation progresses. The allegations made by the accused courier, Asim Das, have added a new layer of intrigue to the case. The court proceedings and further investigations will determine the veracity of these allegations and shed more light on the alleged involvement of politicians and the flow of illegal funds. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the political landscape of Chhattisgarh and the integrity of the electoral process.