Mahadev Betting App Case: ED Questions TV Host Shefali Bagga; Here's Why
The Enforcement Directorate has questioned TV host Shefali Bagga regarding her alleged role in promoting the Mahadev online betting app. Investigators claim she is linked to key hawala operator Khanjan Thakkar and served as the 'face' of illegal betting platforms. The agency has already seized assets worth INR 3,800 crore in this ongoing money laundering investigation.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned television host Shefali Bagga at its Raipur zonal office in Chhattisgarh as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation into the multi-crore Mahadev online betting app case. Bagga’s statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) amid allegations of her involvement in promoting illegal betting platforms.
Alleged Links to Betting Syndicate
Investigators claim that Bagga is a close associate of Khanjan Jagdish Kumar Thakkar, a key hawala operator accused of managing financial transactions and promoting betting apps in India. According to officials, Bagga allegedly served as the "public face" of several betting applications operated from overseas locations, including Dubai and London. Mahadev Online Betting Case: ED Attaches Apartments in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa Among Other Foreign, Indian Assets Worth INR 1700 Crore.
The ED reports that it has recovered promotional material and social media content in which Bagga not only promoted various betting platforms but also provided betting tips to users. Investigators are currently examining her Telegram channel, which was allegedly used to carry out these promotional activities. Previously, the agency had raided Bagga’s Delhi residence on May 30, where they seized INR 30 lakh in cash, which officials suspect was earned through the promotion of illegal betting apps.
Context of the Mahadev Betting App Probe
The Mahadev betting app case involves a large-scale international syndicate that allegedly facilitated illegal gambling through various domain names, such as Tiger Exchange, Gold365, and Laser247. The agency estimates the total proceeds of crime generated by the syndicate to be around INR 6,000 crore. The syndicate reportedly operated through a franchise-based "panel" network, with its primary promoters, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, controlling operations from Dubai. The ED investigation, initiated following FIRs in Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, alleges that illicit funds were laundered through a complex web of shell entities and accommodation entries to disguise them as legitimate income. Mahadev Betting App Case: CBI Carried Out Search Operations at 60 Locations Across Chhattisgarh, Bhopal and Kolkata; Seized Digital, Documentary Evidence.
Recent Developments and Seizures
The questioning of Bagga follows significant recent enforcement actions by the agency. Earlier in July 2026, the ED arrested Vikas Garg, chairman of the Ebix Group, in connection with the same case. Before his arrest, the agency provisionally attached movable and immovable properties valued at INR 940.77 crore linked to Garg and his associated entities. To date, the ED has attached, seized, or frozen assets totalling approximately INR 3,800 crore in the case. The agency has arrested 14 individuals and named 74 entities as accused in five chargesheets filed before a special PMLA court in Raipur. Meanwhile, authorities are actively pursuing the extradition of kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar, who has been traced to Oman.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2026 07:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
