The Mumbai Police detained actor and influencer Sahil Khan for suspected participation in the Mahadev betting app scandal. He was nabbed by the Mumbai cyber cell’s Special Investigating Team (SIT) in Chhattisgarh after the Bombay High Court denied his request for pre-arrest bail.
Earlier, the SIT summoned Sahil and three others for questioning in December 2023, but he did not appear. He claimed to be a brand promoter under contract with M/s. Isports247, promoting The Lion Book brand, and denied any direct affiliation with the betting site. However, the police stated that he was a co-owner of the app. He was taken to Mumbai from Raipur. According to the authorities, he was the partner in Lotus App 247. After being taken to Mumbai, the actor stated, “I believe in the judiciary of the country.”
Sahil had previously stated that his contract was for 24 months, with a monthly payout of 3 lakhs for posting promotional videos on his social media. Despite this, the judge denied his bail application, noting his direct role in the criminal activity. Sahil, well known for his performances in Style and Excuse Me, has turned his attention to fitness, founding Divine Nutrition, which sells workout supplements.
In 2023, it was reported that the criminal branch, which was investigating the Mahadev betting app case, called Sahil Khan and three others to give testimony on December 15. Khan, however, did not appear before the police for questioning and continued to use social media throughout that time. He even shared a photo of himself lounging in a pool with the remark, “Good morning, Jumma Mubarak.” This has sparked outrage and condemnation since he seemed to ignore the police summons.
According to IANS, Sahil Khan, a fitness instructor and YouTuber, reportedly organised celebrity meetings to promote the app and entice more people to use it. The issue, which is being investigated concurrently by the Enforcement Directorate, has placed numerous other Bollywood celebrities under scrutiny following a crackdown on various betting and gambling applications by various authorities.
