New Delhi: The Narendra Modi-led central government has ordered ban on a total of 22 illegal betting apps, including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro. Meanwhile, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said set his target at Bhupesh Baghel-led Chhattisgrah government.
“Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps & websites, including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro. The action follows investigations conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against illegal betting app syndicate and subsequent raids on Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh, revealing the app’s unlawful operations,” said an press release by the central government.
It is worth noting that Mahadev Book owners are in custody at present after being booked under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for commission of the offence of Money laundering u/s 3, punishable u/s 4 of PMLA, 2002.
This comes after the Enforcement Directorate has initated a probe against Chhattisgarh CM Baghel for his alleged involvement in the Mahadev app case. While inquiring in the case, the central probe agency recorded statement of a cash courier who alleged that CM Baghel took Rs 508 crore from the app promoters based in the UAE.
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However, the CM dismissed the charges and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to misuse probe agencies against him ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled this month in two phases. Meanwhile, Congress said the BJP is trying to tarnish CM’s image.
Reacting to the move regarding imposing ban on the applications, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar said “nothing prevented Chhattisgarh government.”
“Chhattisgarh Government had all the power to recommend shutting down of website/app under Sec 69A IT Act. However, they did not do so and no such request is made by the State Government while they have been investigating it for last 1.5 years. In fact, the first and only request has been received from ED and it has been acted upon. Nothing prevented Chhattisgarh Government from making similar requests,” he said.
