C'garh: Courier' Retracts Statement in Mahadev App Scam' Case, Sparks Controversy

 Raipur: In a new twist to the alleged online betting Mahadev App ‘scam’, a ‘courier’ has retracted his statement given to the Enforcement Director (ED), probing the case, saying that he has never delivered cash to chief minister Bhupesh Baghel or any other politician.

The alleged ‘cash courier’ Asim Das, who was arrested by ED on November three in the case, told the court that he has been made a scapegoat and framed as part of a conspiracy and he has never delivered money to Mr Baghel or any other politician.

The ED had found in his possession a cash of Rs 5.39 crore when he was arrested.

Das along with another accused in the case, constable Bhim Singh Yadav, were produced before the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here on Friday which extended their judicial custody for seven days.

“Das has written a letter to director of ED and sent copies of the letter to higher authorities including the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stating that he has been framed in the case and was made to sign in a statement in English, the language he does not understand”, advocate Shoaib Alvi said.

After the arrest of Das, the Ed said, “Forensic analysis and a statement made by ‘cash courier’ Das claimed that Mahadev App promoters had paid about Rs 508 crore to chief minister Bhupesh Baghel”.

BJP on Saturday cried foul over the ‘courier’ making a turnaround, saying that forensic tests should be done to establish authenticity of the letter.

“Forensic tests should be done to establish the authenticity of the letter, particularly the signature in the letter”, BJP spokesman Kedar Gupta said.