"Govt has made it clear...": Former Chhattisgarh CM Baghel on CBI raids in Mahadev betting app case

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 27 : Chhattisgarh's former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday lashed out at the government for not taking action against the case in connection with the Mahadev betting app case.
Addressing a press conference, Baghel alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were giving patronage to the betting app, further adding that the government had made it clear that if anyone took any action against the app, they would face action.
"Modi and Shah are giving patronage to the Mahadev betting app. The government of India has also made clear that if anyone takes action against the app they will face action. With this, they have made it clear that they don't want to take action against the betting app," Baghel said, addressing the media.
Further, he alleged that the cash worth crores of rupees recovered from the vehicle belonged to a BJP leader.
"The money which has been recovered is from the vehicle belonged to a BJP leader. We have also made the request about the arrest of Saurabh Chandrakar, but he is yet to be arrested. He is the mastermind of the Mahadev betting case and has been moving freely. Now we are receiving fresh inputs that Chandrakar has taken citizenship of a foreign country. If the government cannot take action, they should clarify it," Baghel stated.
Earlier in the day, the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, had said that investigations were underway and strict action was being taken against those involved in the case related to the app.
"This investigation is being conducted by the CBI in the case related to the Mahadev Betting App. Everyone knows how the youth of our Chhattisgarh were addicted to betting, due to which their lives were being ruined. Whoever is guilty will not be spared, and action will be taken against everyone. It is not a question of anyone being close to the Congress or the BJP. Action will be taken against all those whose names are linked to this matter," Sai told reporters.
On March 26, a large number of supporters gathered outside the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches in connection with the Mahadev betting app case. The CBI team arrived at his residence and carried out searches for 14 hours.
Speaking to the Media, Bhagel said that the CBI had visited his residence for the second time in 15 days, conducting raids not just in Durg but across multiple locations in India. He emphasised that despite taking strict action against the Mahadev Betting App, key accused Saurabh Chandrakar had not been arrested, despite a lookout circular being issued.
Baghel alleged that the raid was politically motivated, suggesting that it was orchestrated to provide content for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech ahead of his visit on March 30.