Mumbai, February 26, 2024 – The Sessions Court in Greater Bombay has rejected the bail application of Dixit Ranjit Kothari, a 27-year-old businessman, in connection with a cyber fraud and illegal online betting case linked to the infamous Mahadev Betting App. The case, registered under C.R. No. 60/2023 with the Cyber Police Station, Central Region, Mumbai, involves allegations of large-scale online gambling, financial fraud, and possible links to international criminal syndicates.
Case Background
Kothari was arrested on January 5, 2024, under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. He faces charges under Sections 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 467 (forgery of valuable security), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), 471 (using forged documents as genuine), and 120(b) (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC. Additionally, he is booked under Section 12(a) of the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act and Sections 66(D) and 66(F) of the Information Technology Act.
Arguments by the Defense
Kothari, through his counsel Advocate Agastya Desai, pleaded for bail under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code, claiming he was falsely implicated and had no prior criminal record. His defense emphasized that he had already undergone custodial interrogation, and since the investigation was nearly complete, there was no justification for keeping him behind bars. The defense further contended that Kothari was a permanent resident of his stated address in Bhayander West, Thane, and posed no flight risk.
Prosecution’s Opposition
The prosecution, represented by APP Iqbal Solkar, vehemently opposed the bail plea, arguing that Kothari’s release could severely impact the ongoing investigation. Key concerns raised by the prosecution included:
- The potential for the accused to flee and evade justice.
- The risk of tampering with evidence and influencing witnesses.
- The accused’s involvement in a larger syndicate engaged in fraudulent online betting operations, which allegedly resulted in losses amounting to Rs. 15,000 crore to the government.
The prosecution highlighted that the accused was actively involved in promoting illegal betting platforms, including Khiladi Book and other web portals, through social media and other online channels. The police investigation revealed that Kothari’s mobile number was linked to one of these illegal betting portals and that he had opened a bank account under the name “Ketan Warnkar” with PayTM to facilitate illicit financial transactions.
Findings and Court’s Decision
During the investigation, law enforcement authorities traced financial transactions amounting to approximately Rs. 52,99,000 over the past year to Kothari’s PayTM account. The police suspect that these transactions were linked to illegal betting activities, further strengthening their case against him.
The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh A. Sasne, observed that the investigation was still in its preliminary stages and that there were serious allegations against the accused. Given the possible involvement of international entities, including terrorist organizations, in the online betting racket, the judge ruled that Kothari’s release could compromise the probe.
Judge Sasne noted that while the accused had undergone initial questioning, further detailed investigation was necessary to uncover the full extent of the alleged syndicate’s operations. Considering these factors, the court deemed it inappropriate to grant bail at this stage and rejected the application.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
With the rejection of his bail plea, Kothari will remain in judicial custody as the investigation continues. The authorities are expected to further probe the financial transactions linked to the accused and identify other potential individuals involved in the syndicate. Given the scale of the case and its implications for cyber fraud and illegal online gambling in India, law enforcement agencies may coordinate with national and international cybersecurity bodies to dismantle the wider network.
This case marks a significant step in India’s ongoing crackdown on illegal online betting platforms and financial cyber crimes. The Mumbai Cyber Police have reaffirmed their commitment to bringing all culprits involved in the racket to justice.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s cautious approach in cases involving cyber fraud and organized betting syndicates, especially those with alleged links to international crime groups. The rejection of bail signals a strong stance against digital financial crimes and illegal gambling networks operating within India.
