Cyber Crime
Star to Suspect: Inside Sahil Khan’s Shocking Role in the Rs 15,000 Crore Mahadev Betting App Scam
Mumbai Police nabbed Bollywood actor Sahil Khan in connection with the massive Rs 15,000 crore Mahadev betting app scam. Khan, accused of promoting the app, is under investigation alongside 31 others.
MUMBAI: The Mumbai Police Cyber Cell’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) made headlines with the arrest of Sahil Khan, a Bollywood actor turned fitness enthusiast, in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. This arrest is connected to the ongoing investigations into the Mahadev betting app scam, which has been in the spotlight for its alleged large-scale illegal betting operations. The arrest followed shortly after the Bombay High Court turned down Khan’s plea for pre-arrest bail.
Who is Sahil Khan?
Sahil Khan, now 47, made his initial mark in the Bollywood industry with notable appearances in movies like “Style” and “Excuse Me.” He quickly became a popular figure following his involvement in a music video for Stereo Nation’s hit “Nachange Sari Raat.” Transitioning from film to fitness, Khan has carved out a niche as a respected fitness coach, celebrated for his significant contributions to fitness awareness, and has received several awards from Mumbai-based fitness organizations. His personal life has also attracted media attention; he was previously married to actress Negar Khan, with the marriage ending in 2005. Recently, Khan has introduced his followers to Milena, calling her his wife following a formal engagement in Russia.
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The Scandal Unfolds
The controversy began when social activist Prakash Bankar filed an FIR in November 2023, accusing Sahil Khan and others of promoting online betting applications. These platforms allegedly included Khiladi Book, a part of the broader Mahadev app network, which hosted betting on various sports and card games. The complaint stressed that these apps exploited social media to recruit and encourage users to invest in betting activities.
The scale of the scam is vast, with police estimating the operations to involve around Rs 15,000 crore. The FIR details a network of online betting that included live sessions conducted over popular social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram, where substantial sums were gambled on live sports and games.
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Investigations Gain Momentum
The SIT is thoroughly investigating the intricate web of financial transactions between the accused and several real estate and financial firms linked to the betting app. Alongside, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) in Chhattisgarh have recently apprehended two more individuals associated with the scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also stepped in, detaining nine individuals in a related probe into the illicit financial flows stemming from these activities.
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Investigators are examining bank accounts, mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices belonging to the accused to unravel the extent of this complex operation. The case implicates 31 individuals, including prominent figures and former political leaders, suspected of orchestrating or facilitating these illegal betting activities.
Financial and Social Ramifications
According to the FIR, the implicated betting platforms were incredibly profitable, reportedly generating around Rs 450 crore each month, especially after the COVID-19 lockdowns were implemented in 2020. This massive inflow of illegal funds was primarily routed to promoters based in the United Arab Emirates through diverse banking channels.
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The Mahadev betting app scam underscores the potential for online platforms to be misused for unlawful activities, accentuating the critical need for stringent oversight and proactive measures by authorities to curb such malpractices. As this high-profile case continues to unfold, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dark side of digital conveniences in our increasingly connected world. The outcome of this investigation is keenly awaited, with significant implications for legal and regulatory frameworks governing online betting and digital finance.