Chhattisgarh CM's political advisor Verma challenges ED, asserts 'no incriminating proof'

Vinod Verma, the political adviser to Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel, has strongly contested allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against him. Verma accused the ED of conducting unwarranted raids on his premises in connection with an online betting case, asserting that the agency lacked any concrete evidence linking him to the arrested police officer, Chandra Bhushan Verma.

On Wednesday, the ED conducted raids, including at Verma's residence, as part of its money laundering investigation into the online betting case. Verma vehemently proclaimed his innocence, describing the raids as akin to robbery. He alleged that ED officials even took away his jewelry, despite him providing receipts, which he argued violated the agency's procedures.

Arrests and connections

The ED announced the arrest of four individuals, including Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Chandra Bhushan Verma from the Chhattisgarh police force. The arrests were related to laundering proceeds from an online betting app scam in Chhattisgarh. ASI Verma's alleged connection to the Chief Minister's political adviser became a focal point of the investigation.

Vinod Verma boldly challenged the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to present concrete proof of any association between him and the arrested police officer, Chandra Bhushan Verma. He questioned the basis for the ED's raid on his residence, emphasizing that the agency had no substantial evidence against him. Verma questioned whether the entire operation relied solely on the statement of one individual.

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Verma vehemently dismissed the ED's case against him, stating that it stemmed from a fictional article published in a magazine. The article falsely implicated him in a betting scandal. Verma not only challenged this in court but also demanded evidence from the article's author to substantiate their claims. Additionally, he filed a complaint with the former police chief of Durg, expressing concerns about the article's accuracy.

Money laundering and online betting

The ED's investigation is part of a wider probe into money laundering connected to an online betting app. ASI Chandra Bhushan Verma and businessman Satish Chandrakar were alleged to have received substantial monthly funds through hawala channels from the promoters of Mahadev Online Book, based in Dubai. These funds were reportedly distributed to senior police officers and individuals with political connections to the Chief Minister's Office as protection money. ASI Verma was said to have received approximately ₹65 crore through this method, keeping a portion and disbursing the rest.

The ED revealed that Mahadev Online Book facilitated online betting in various games, including poker, card games, games of chance, and sports such as cricket, badminton, tennis, and football. The agency identified Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, as the primary promoters of Mahadev Online Book, running their operations from Dubai. They advertised contact numbers on websites, luring individuals to participate in these illegal betting activities. The investigation further uncovered the opening of numerous bank accounts in the names of unsuspecting individuals, primarily in Chhattisgarh. Notably, despite the adverse impact of illegal betting on youth and the economy, some politicians and law enforcement officials allegedly turned a blind eye to these operations.

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In summary, Vinod Verma, the political adviser to Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister, has challenged the Enforcement Directorate to provide substantial evidence linking him to the arrested police officer, Chandra Bhushan Verma. He maintains his innocence and disputes the allegations against him as stemming from a fictional article. The ED's investigation into the online betting scam continues, revealing a network of illegal betting operations and money laundering activities.