'Style' actor Sahil Khan taken into custody by Mumbai police in association with Mahadev betting app case

In a shocking turn of events, actor and fitness influencer Sahil Khan has been apprehended by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. The arrest came after Khan was on the run for an extensive period, spanning across several states. He was finally nabbed in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur district, putting an end to his evasive manoeuvres.

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch, led by Joint Commissioner Lakhmi Gautam, revealed that Khan's arrest is linked to the infamous Mahadev betting app case. This case, which dates back to November 2023, originated from a complaint filed by social activist Prakash Bankar. Bankar's complaint shed light on the operation of numerous web portals facilitating online betting and gambling activities, encompassing a variety of sports and card games.

Khan's involvement in the case stems from his association with the betting application 'The Lion Book247'. Despite his claims of merely being a brand promoter, the Bombay High Court dismissed his pre-arrest bail plea, citing direct connections with the illicit operation. Justice SV Kotwal emphasized the illegality of the entire operation, highlighting the extensive use of fictitious bank accounts and fake SIM cards to facilitate fraudulent activities.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) took charge of the investigation, uncovering a network of 67 betting websites operating from foreign destinations. The probe revealed the utilization of over 2,000 bogus SIM cards and the opening of more than 1,700 bank accounts using fake documents. Funds amassed through these channels were allegedly routed through illegal means, including Hawala channels and cryptocurrency transactions.

Despite Khan's arguments of being a mere celebrity endorser, the court found substantial evidence linking him directly to the illicit betting operation.