ED Attaches ₹11 Crore Assets of Raina, Dhawan in Betting Scandal
In a major crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets worth ₹11 crore belonging to cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan in connection with an illegal betting app case. The investigation targets the Mahadev Online Book app, accused of running a pan-India gambling racket.
Key Details of the Betting App Probe
- Assets Attached: Luxury properties, vehicles, and bank deposits
- Main Accused: Dubai-based operators and Rajasthan businessman Saurabh Chandrakar
- Celebrity Links: Bollywood actors and influencers also under scrutiny
Suresh Raina’s Role in the Scandal
The retired cricketer allegedly received payments for promoting the betting platform. ED traces suspicious transactions from offshore accounts to Raina’s assets, now frozen. Raina has not yet commented publicly.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Alleged Involvement
Dhawan’s financial dealings with Chandrakar are under investigation. While his team denies wrongdoing, the ED claims digital evidence suggests monetary exchanges.
Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Betting
The case exposes deep ties between sports stars and gambling syndicates. Recent ED actions include:
– Arrests of Mahadev app operatives
– Scrutiny of celebrity endorsements
– Calls for stricter IPL endorsement rules
Legal Repercussions and Public Reaction
If convicted under PMLA, both players could face severe penalties. The scandal has ignited debates about:
– Celebrity responsibility in endorsements
– Loopholes in India’s online gambling laws
Next Steps in the Investigation
- ED to question Raina and Dhawan soon
- Income Tax Department auditing financial records
- BCCI may revise player endorsement policies
Conclusion
This high-profile case highlights growing concerns about illegal betting networks exploiting celebrity influence. As the probe continues, more revelations could emerge, potentially impacting India’s cricketing ecosystem.
— Reported by NextMinuteNews
