New Delhi: The Central Government blocked 22 betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book and Reddyanna prestopro on Sunday. The Central Government issued orders of blocking the 22 betting apps, said Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in a press note.

The Ministry also said in the press note that the action follows investigations conducted by the ED against illegal betting app syndicate and subsequent raids on Mahadev in Chhattisgarh, revealing the app’s unlawful operations.

Chhattisgarh Government had all the power to recommend shutting down of website/app under Sec 69A IT Act. However, they did not do so and no such request is made by the State Government while they have been investigating it for last one year and five months. The first and only request has been received from ED and it has been acted upon.

The ED is investigating the Mahadev Book Online Betting App syndicate and the promoters of this betting syndicate. Earlier, in its investigation ED said that according to fresh evidence following search operation on November 2, it was found regular payments around Rs 508 crore were made to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhagel.

The Government arrested two persons under prevention of money laundering act. The Mahadev Book app owners are in custody, having been arrested under the money laundering act.