Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel of Chhattisgarh took to social media on Wednesday to assert that Vikas Garg, the chairman of Ebix who was recently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), was “getting protection from the BJP.” Baghel posted photographs that purportedly show Garg alongside six senior BJP leaders and highlighted Garg’s father’s past tenure as a BJP MLA, suggesting a network of political patronage.

Background of the Mahadev Betting App Scandal

The Mahadev betting app case has emerged as one of India’s largest online gambling scandals, with authorities estimating illicit proceeds of around ₹6,000 crore. Investigations have traced money flows between overseas operators and domestic intermediaries, revealing a sophisticated network that evaded detection for years. In March 2024, the state Economic Offences Wing (EOW) named former chief minister Baghel as an accused, a charge later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

ED’s Action and Legal Proceedings

ED officials apprehended Garg from his residence in Delhi and presented him before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur. The court ordered his remand to ED custody for ten days, extending until July 24. In a parallel move, the agency provisionally attached assets worth ₹940.77 crore, encompassing residential properties, land parcels, equity shares, and other securities linked to Garg and his family.

Political Reactions and Implications

State BJP spokesperson Vijayshankar Mishra immediately rejected Baghel’s allegations, stating that Garg has “no connection with the BJP” and that “no criminal will be spared, whether he is associated with the party or not.” The timing of these accusations is critical, as Chhattisgarh gears up for its next assembly elections, where the BJP and Congress are locked in a fierce contest. Analysts view Baghel’s statements as a tactical move to undermine the ruling party’s image ahead of the polls.

Looking Ahead

ED’s investigation also includes a request for the extradition of suspects located in Oman, signaling a willingness to pursue cross‑border cooperation. Should the courts uphold the agency’s actions, it could herald a tougher regulatory stance on digital gambling platforms in India. Moreover, the outcome of this case may set a precedent for how political influence is examined in high‑profile financial fraud investigations.