Centre bans 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book app

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued orders to block 22 illegal betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro.

The action comes after investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into an illegal betting app syndicate and subsequent raids on Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh, revealing its unlawful operations.

Accused Bhim Singh Yadav, a Constable in the Chhattisgarh Police force, and Asim Das are currently in custody.

They have been arrested under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for the commission of money laundering offenses under Section 3, punishable under Section 4 of PMLA, 2002.

Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Electronics & Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, stated, "The Chhattisgarh Government had the authority to recommend the shutdown of websites/apps under Sec 69A of the IT Act."

He further added, "however, they did not make such a request despite their 1.5 years of investigation. The first and only request has come from the ED, hand it has been acted upon. The Chhattisgarh Government could have made similar requests."

(PIB)