Mahadev betting case: Sahil Khan was arrested after 1,800km journey
After a daring four-day, 1,800-kilometer journey spanning five states, actor and fitness influencer Sahil Khan's escapade to evade arrest in the Mahadev betting app case met an abrupt end recently. He was apprehended in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, bringing his cross-country adventure to a dramatic close. Per reports, the escape began last week on April 25, following the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea by a court.
Khan's escape route led him from Maharashtra to Goa
Khan's escape plan resembled a thrilling movie plot. He initially fled Maharashtra, making a stopover in Goa, then journeyed to Hubballi in Karnataka, and later to Hyderabad. Disguised in nondescript clothing and a concealed identity beneath a scarf, Khan attempted to evade detection. However, despite his efforts, the police managed to locate him in Hyderabad which prompted Khan to hastily leave for Chhattisgarh.
Khan was arrested at a hotel in Jagdalpur
Despite warnings from his driver about the perils of traveling through Maoist-prone areas in Chhattisgarh at night, Khan insisted on this route. His run ended when he was apprehended at the Aradhya International Hotel in Jagdalpur. The Mumbai Police had been relentlessly pursuing Khan for 72 hours before finally arresting him. Upon his arrest, they seized two mobile phones and a sum of cash from him.
Khan is accused of promoting betting platforms like Lion Book
A Mumbai court has remanded Khan in police custody until May 1. The actor—known for his stints in Style and Excuse Me—is accused of promoting betting platforms like Lion Book and Lotus 24/7—both linked to the Mahadev app. The police allege that he has financial ties to the Lotus Book 24/7 application, which the actor has denied. In December 2023, he was summoned by the Mumbai Crime Branch for questioning about his suspected involvement with the Mahadev betting app.
What is Mahadev online betting app?
For those unaware, the Mahadev Online betting app, run by Sourabh Chandrakar from Chhattisgarh and Ravi Uppal from Dubai, used paid social media ads to lure users into betting on various sports events like IPL, football matches, and other events outcomes. The app's customers were given two separate numbers for depositing and withdrawing funds. Actors Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, and Tamannaah Bhatia were also called in for questioning regarding their promotion of the betting app and its associated platforms.
ED discovers a vast network enabling illegal betting through Mahadev
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has discovered a vast network that enabled illegal betting on various games through the Mahadev Online Book platform. This platform offered card games like Teen Patti, poker, Dragon Tiger, and virtual cricket games. It has been implicated in match-fixing, money laundering through cryptocurrency, and game manipulation to ensure profits for panel owners while causing significant losses for players.
