The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday produced businessman Vikas Garg, an accused in the multi-crore Mahadev Online Betting App money laundering case, before a special court in Raipur after securing his transit remand from Delhi. The agency is expected to seek his custodial interrogation to investigate the alleged financial network, money laundering transactions and links with other accused connected to the online betting syndicate.

Garg was arrested by the ED in New Delhi on July 14. A Delhi court granted the central agency 24-hour transit remand, allowing officials to bring him to Chhattisgarh for further legal proceedings. His production before the Raipur court marks the latest development in one of India's largest ongoing investigations into illegal online betting and money laundering.

ED to probe financial network

According to the Enforcement Directorate, Garg is suspected of playing a significant role in handling financial transactions linked to the Mahadev betting network. Investigators are expected to question him regarding the movement of funds, the structure of the alleged betting syndicate, and the involvement of other individuals connected to the operation.

The agency had recently attached assets worth ₹940.77 crore allegedly linked to companies controlled by Garg. These properties form part of the broader investigation into proceeds of crime generated through illegal online betting operations.

Money laundering through shell companies

The ED has alleged that money generated from the Mahadev betting platform was routed through shell companies and layered financial transactions to disguise its origin.

Investigators claim that nearly ₹940.77 crore in proceeds of crime was channelled into companies associated with Garg. The funds were allegedly invested in shares, commercial ventures and other assets to legitimise money earned through unlawful betting activities.

The agency believes the syndicate operated through a franchise-based panel system managed from overseas, enabling large-scale illegal betting operations across multiple Indian states.

Illegal betting network under scanner

The ED initiated its investigation based on FIRs registered by Chhattisgarh Police in Durg district, along with criminal cases filed in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and other states.

According to the agency, the betting syndicate generated illegal proceeds exceeding ₹450 crore every month through online gaming and betting platforms operating under the Mahadev brand.

Officials have maintained that the investigation is continuing to identify additional beneficiaries, financial facilitators and entities linked to the alleged money laundering network.

Assets worth ₹3,800 crore attached

The Mahadev Online Book investigation has witnessed several rounds of enforcement action over the past few years.

Before the latest attachment, the ED had already attached, seized or frozen movable, immovable and overseas assets worth approximately ₹2,825 crore. With the addition of properties linked to Vikas Garg, the total value of assets attached in the Mahadev Online Book and Sky Exchange betting cases has now reached nearly ₹3,800 crore, according to the agency.

The ED has also filed multiple prosecution complaints before the Special PMLA Court in Raipur, which has taken cognisance of the charges in the money laundering case.

Political allegations surface

The developments also triggered political reactions in Chhattisgarh.

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel alleged that Vikas Garg was associated with the BJP's Delhi unit and questioned why the Centre had not shut down the Mahadev betting application despite having the authority to do so.

Baghel claimed that individuals linked to the ruling party were allegedly part of the betting syndicate and demanded a wider investigation. He also called for scrutiny of certain former officials, alleging that all individuals connected with the case should be investigated.

The BJP has not issued an immediate response to the allegations.

Meanwhile, the ED has reiterated that its investigation into the Mahadev betting syndicate remains ongoing and that further action will depend on evidence gathered during custodial interrogation and financial analysis.