ED questions TV host Shefali Bagga in Raipur over Mahadev betting app promotions
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday questioned television host and former Bigg Boss 13 contestant Shefali Bagga at its Raipur Zonal Office in Chhattisgarh as
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday questioned television host and former Bigg Boss 13 contestant Shefali Bagga at its Raipur Zonal Office in Chhattisgarh as part of its ongoing investigation into the Mahadev online betting app case. The central agency is examining her alleged links to the promotion of illegal betting platforms and her association with individuals accused of operating the network. Read Full Story Shefali Bagga is a television presenter and journalist who gained nationwide recognition after participating in Bigg Boss 13, one of the most-watched seasons of the reality show.
Since then, she has remained active in television and digital media. According to officials, the ED has also conducted searches at Bagga's premises as part of the probe. Investigators are examining allegations that she played a role in promoting illegal betting applications linked to the Mahadev network. The agency is questioning her over her alleged involvement in endorsing these platforms and her suspected connections with key operators. Officials said the investigation has revealed that Bagga is a close associate of Khanjan Jagdish Kumar Thakkar, who is alleged to run and promote betting applications in India.
Thakkar is also accused of being a key hawala operator for the Mahadev Online Book, allegedly handling financial transactions linked to the betting syndicate. The ED further suspects that Bagga became one of the public faces of betting platforms allegedly operated from overseas locations, including Dubai and London. Investigators claim they have recovered digital evidence and promotional material indicating that she not only the betting apps but also shared betting tips with users to encourage participation. Officials also alleged that Bagga circulated a link to her Telegram channel, where promotional content and betting-related tips connected to the illegal platforms were allegedly shared.
The agency is scrutinising the digital trail and other electronic evidence to determine the extent of her role in the network. The Mahadev online betting app case has emerged as one of the country's largest investigations into alleged illegal betting and money laundering, with multiple celebrities, influencers and promoters coming under the scanner. The ED is expected to continue questioning Bagga while analysing the material collected during the searches to determine whether further legal action is warranted as the probe progresses. Ends
The BriefWire