On March 26, 2025, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids at the residences of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai. These actions are part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged ₹6,000 crore Mahadev betting app scam.
The Mahadev betting app is accused of facilitating illegal online gambling and money laundering activities. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has previously alleged that the app operated through a network of ‘benami’ accounts, generating substantial illicit proceeds.
In August 2024, the Chhattisgarh government recommended transferring the case to the CBI, citing its multi-state and international implications. This decision followed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Raipur, which named Bhupesh Baghel as a primary beneficiary in the case.
Bhupesh Baghel has denied the allegations, characterizing them as politically motivated and asserting that his administration had taken actions against the Mahadev app during his tenure.
The CBI’s recent searches are part of a broader effort to investigate the complex network associated with the Mahadev app and to hold accountable those implicated in the alleged scam.