Several celebrities are now under the scrutiny of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Mahadev money-laundering case. Kapil Sharma and Hina Khan have received summons from the central agency, following actor Ranbir Kapoor, who was summoned a day earlier. They are expected to appear before the ED on Friday.
According to a tweet by news agency ANI, “ED has summoned comedian Kapil Sharma and actor Huma Qureshi in connection with the Mahadev betting app case: ED Sources.” Actor Hina Khan has also been called for the same purpose, as reported by News18.
Ranbir Kapoor was summoned previously to provide insights into the source of the money he received for promoting the betting app. The ED has also asked him to appear at their office in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on October 6. An ED source explained, “Ranbir Kapoor has been summoned to understand the betting business transactions. At this point, he has not been summoned as an accused. His questioning is important to ascertain his knowledge about the money sources he received. It will possibly shed light on the plans of the promoters and their association.”
The source further added, “Ranbir Kapoor may not be part of a conspiracy but is very important to understand the scam.” Reportedly, Ranbir received payments for promotional activities related to the betting app in question. Many other celebrities and actors are expected to be summoned soon in connection with the case.
Sources within the ED have informed the news outlet that as many as 17 Bollywood celebrities are involved in this investigation. This includes Shraddha Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Sonakshi Sinha, and others who attended or performed at the company’s head, Sourabh Chandrakar’s wedding in February earlier this year and the company’s success party in September 2022.
The Mahadev betting app case revolves around an app that facilitated illegal betting on various online games, including poker, card games, chance games, badminton, tennis, football, and cricket. The app is allegedly operated by Dubai-based individuals, Saurabh and Ravi Uppal. While betting is legal in Dubai, it is illegal in India.