Enforcement Directorate's request leads to shutdown of 22 betting apps, including raids in Chhattisgarh for Mahadev Book App.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro.
The enforcement action, sparked by investigations conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), sheds light on an extensive illegal betting app syndicate. Raids on Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh exposed the app’s unlawful operations, leading to a series of arrests and the dismantling of these rogue platforms.
ED’s action unveils dark underworld of illegal betting apps
The Enforcement Directorate’s relentless pursuit of illegal betting activities has resulted in a significant breakthrough. Following a comprehensive investigation, ED took the unprecedented step of recommending the shutdown of 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including prominent names such as Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro. The gravity of this action is bolstered by the fact that this is the first time MeitY has exercised its authority under Section 69A of the IT Act in Chhattisgarh.
According to PIB, two individuals, Bhim Singh Yadav, a Constable in the Chhattisgarh Police force, and Asim Das, are now in custody, having been arrested under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). They face charges of money laundering, a crime punishable under Section 4 of PMLA, 2002.
Enforcement Directorate’s request prompts action
Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, sheds light on the unusual circumstances surrounding this operation. Based on reports from PIB, he stated, “Chhattisgarh Government had all the power to recommend shutting down a website or app under Section 69A of the IT Act. However, they did not do so, and no such request was made by the State Government despite their year-and-a-half-long investigation. In fact, the first and only request was received from ED, and it has been acted upon. Nothing prevented Chhattisgarh Government from making similar requests.”
The nationwide crackdown on illegal betting apps and websites is a significant development in the battle against cybercrime and illicit financial activities. The arrests conducted in this regard further emphasizes the gravity of the issue, highlighting the need for enhanced measures to combat illegal betting and money laundering operations in India.
