Ranbir Kapoor Not an Accused by ED, for Questioning in Mahadev App Probe

Actor Ranbir Kapoor has been asked to appear for questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Mahadev money-laundering case. It's important to note that Ranbir Kapoor has not been named as an accused in this case. Instead, he has been summoned to help authorities understand the source of the money he received for promoting a betting app. 

The Mahadev Money-Laundering Case:

The ED has scheduled Ranbir Kapoor's appearance at their office in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, for October 6. Approximately 14-15 other celebrities and actors are also under scrutiny in connection with this case, and they are expected to be summoned in the near future.

Ranbir Kapoor's Involvement

Ranbir Kapoor's involvement in this investigation is not due to any wrongdoing on his part. Rather, the authorities are interested in understanding the transactions related to the betting business. 

The company in question, promoted by Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, was operating from Dubai. It is alleged to have used an online book betting application to recruit new users, create false identities, and launder money through a complex network of bank accounts held under different names.

A Wedding That Raised Eyebrows

The investigation into this case began when attention was drawn to Sourabh Chandrakar's extravagant Rs 250-crore wedding in the UAE. This lavish event piqued the curiosity of investigators, leading them to discover alleged hawala (illegal money transfer) operations with links to the UAE and Pakistan. It has been revealed that at least eight major international hawala operators are being investigated for their role in funneling money to Middle Eastern countries and Pakistan through a similar portal. Chandrakar and his associates are alleged to have used around 70 shell companies to move funds to offshore accounts.

Bollywood Celebrities Under Raddar:

The ED has previously disclosed that approximately 17 Bollywood celebrities, including Shraddha Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Sonakshi Sinha, and others, are under investigation for their attendance or performances at Chandrakar's wedding and the company's success party. These celebrities reportedly received substantial cash payments for their participation, which authorities believe may be proceeds of the alleged criminal activities.

The Mahadev Betting App:

The Mahadev betting apps offered various games, lotteries, and betting options on a wide range of subjects, including election results, weather predictions, and sports matches. These apps had been operational for four years, targeting individuals from lower-income groups. The games and betting options were allegedly rigged to ensure that players always lost money, benefiting the company.

- PTC PUNJABI