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Baghel is named by the CBI as an accused in the Mahadev app case's FIR.

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In a major political and legal development, the **Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)** has named **former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel** as an accused in its **FIR related to the Mahadev betting app scandal**. The case, which involves alleged illegal gambling, money laundering, and corruption, has sent shockwaves through Chhattisgarh’s political landscape, just months after Baghel’s Congress government was ousted by the BJP in the 2023 state elections.  

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What is the Mahadev App Scam?**  

The **Mahadev Online Book betting app**, operated from Dubai, is accused of being a **large-scale illegal gambling and money laundering operation** worth thousands of crores. Key allegations include:  

- **Illegal Online Betting:** The app allowed users to place bets on cricket, card games, and other events, bypassing Indian gambling laws.  
- **Massive Financial Fraud:** Estimates suggest the syndicate processed **over ₹5,000 crore**, with profits allegedly shared among promoters, politicians, and bureaucrats.  
- *Hawala Transactions:** Funds were reportedly laundered through shell companies and underground channels.  

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier arrested several individuals linked to the case, including promoters **Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal**, who are believed to be operating from Dubai.  

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Why is Bhupesh Baghel Named in the FIR?**  

The CBI’s case alleges that **Baghel received kickbacks from the Mahadev app promoters in exchange for **political protection**. Specific accusations include:  

1. **Bribery Allegations:** The ED previously claimed that **a courier arrested in Raipur was carrying ₹5 crore in cash** meant for a "high-ranking Chhattisgarh leader," widely speculated to be Baghel.  
2. **Proceeds Used in Elections:** Investigators suspect that part of the scam money was funneled into **Congress’s election campaigns** in Chhattisgarh.  
3. **Sheltering Accused:** The CBI alleges that **state officials under Baghel’s government delayed investigations** into the app’s operations.  

Baghel has **denied all charges**, calling the case a **"political vendetta"** by the BJP-led central government.  

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Political Fallout: Congress vs. BJP**  

The case has intensified the political battle between the **Congress and BJP**:  

- **Congress’s Stand:**  
  - Baghel and Congress leaders allege that the CBI is being **misused to target opposition figures** ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.  
  - They point out that the **ED and CBI actions surged after the BJP lost Chhattisgarh in 2018 and resumed after the BJP regained power in 2023.**  

- **BJP’s Counter: 
  - The BJP claims that **Congress leaders were complicit in corruption** and that the probe is based on evidence.  
  - Union Minister **Anurag Thakur** stated, *"The law is taking its course—those involved in scams will face consequences."*  

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Legal Implications & Next Steps

- **CBI Investigation:** The agency will now summon Baghel for questioning and probe financial trails linking him to the accused.  
- **ED’s Parallel Probe:** The ED may also file a supplementary chargesheet based on money laundering findings.  
- **Possible Arrest?** If evidence strengthens, Baghel could face arrest, as seen in other high-profile cases like Delhi’s excise policy scam.  

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Public & Legal Reaction**  

- **Opposition’s Cry of "Misuse of Agencies":**  
  - Opposition parties, including **TMC, AAP, and DMK**, have condemned the move, calling it an **"abuse of central agencies."**  
- **Legal Experts’ Views:**  
  - Some lawyers argue that **naming a former CM in an FIR requires substantial proof**, while others believe the CBI must have strong evidence to take such a step.  

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Conclusion: A High-Stakes Political Battle**  

The inclusion of **Bhupesh Baghel in the Mahadev app FIR** marks a dramatic escalation in the case, with far-reaching **political and legal consequences**. If proven guilty, it could severely damage Congress’s credibility in Chhattisgarh. However, if the case appears weak or politically motivated, it may backfire on the BJP by reinforcing opposition claims of **"weaponizing investigative agencies."**  

As the probe unfolds, this case will remain a **key flashpoint in India’s ongoing political warfare** ahead of the 2024 elections. For now, all eyes are on whether the CBI can produce **irrefutable evidence**—or whether Baghel will emerge unscathed, turning the tables on his accusers.

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