The Mumbai Crime Branch’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has secured its initial arrest in the massive Rs 15,000 crore Mahadev betting app fraud case. The detained individual, identified as Dixit Kothari, is considered a crucial figure in the alleged scam. The case, originally filed by the Matunga police last November and later transferred to the Crime Branch, prompted the formation of a dedicated SIT for a comprehensive inquiry. Over 30 individuals were named in the FIR related to the scam.
Dixit Kothari, characterized as a key player, reportedly held a significant role in the Mahadev app’s operations. The SIT revealed that the app’s website domain was linked to Kothari’s email address, and he was responsible for paying maintenance charges totaling Rs 20 lakh over the past two years.
The Crime Branch’s Cyber Cell is actively investigating the Mahadev Betting App case through a specially formed SIT, comprising three officers.
The challenging task involves scrutinizing more than 900 bank accounts associated with the scam, with 139 presently under active investigation and 57 already blocked. These actions were initiated based on complaints received on the cyber helpline number 1930.
Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took a parallel step by filing a supplementary charge sheet in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on January 1, 2024. The extensive 1,800-page document introduces five new accused individuals, including suspended constable Bhim Singh Yadav, cash courier Aseem Das, Shubham Soni (who claims to be the Mahadev App’s promoter), Anil Aggarwal, and Rohit Gulati. The ED’s involvement enhances the ongoing investigation’s depth, reflecting a multi-agency approach to unravel the complexities of the Mahadev betting app scam.