Mahadev Betting Case: Huma Qureshi, Kapil Sharma, and Hina Khan Request a One-Week Extension from the Enforcement Directorate
According to information provided, Kapil Sharma has informed the investigative agency that he is currently abroad for a film shoot, which prevents him from appearing on the scheduled date. In the meantime, Huma and Hina have cited personal reasons for their unavailability.
A day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued summonses to actors Kapil Sharma, Huma Qureshi, and Hina Khan in relation to the Mahadev betting app case, they have requested a one-week extension to respond to the central investigative agency, according to a News18 report on October 6.
Kapil Sharma informed the investigative agency that he is currently shooting abroad and won’t be able to appear on the scheduled date, while Huma and Hina have cited personal reasons for seeking the extension.
On October 5, all three were summoned in connection with the Mahadev betting app case, as the online betting platform came under scrutiny in February this year, following a grand ₹200 crore wedding that featured celebrity performances in the UAE.
Authorities have revealed that the Mahadev Online Book Betting app operated as an overarching syndicate that facilitated illicit betting websites in registering new users, generating user IDs, and engaging in money laundering through a complex network of anonymous bank accounts. Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppalis, the individuals behind the company, are suspected to have run their operations from Dubai. Furthermore, it has been alleged that bribes were paid to high-ranking government officials as a form of ‘protection money.’
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids at 39 different locations and seized illicit assets valued at ₹417 crore in connection with this case. Non-bailable warrants against the suspects were also issued by a PMLA special court in Raipur.
According to sources cited in an ANI report, it is believed that Ranbir Kapoor and several other celebrities from the film and sports industries were involved in promotional activities for the Mahadev betting app.
The Enforcement Directorate previously announced its successful identification of key figures involved in these money laundering operations. Last month, four individuals were arrested in Chhattisgarh, including the chief liaison of the betting syndicate.
