Bitcoin scam ED wraps up Raipur search ops

 

 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) concluded its search operation at the Raipur residence of Gaurav Mehta, a whistleblower in the Rs 6,600 crore bitcoin scam, in the intervening hours of Wednesday and Thursday. The operation, led by a Deputy Director and supported by four Assistant Directors, resulted in the seizure of three hard disks, a pen drive and three Software Design Documents (SDDs). The seized items have been sent to ED’s Mumbai office for a detailed forensic analysis. The findings will determine if the evidence requires further examination at advanced forensic units in Ahmedabad and Chandigarh. These materials are believed to hold critical data that may expose unauthorised Bitcoin transactions and financial irregularities, as well as shed light on potential political connections to the scam. Simultaneously, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensified its probe by questioning Mehta at his residence on Thursday.

 

“The questioning follows fresh allegations by former Maharashtra IPS officer Ravindranath Patil, who identified Mehta as a key witness in the 2018 Gain Bitcoin scam,” stated a senior CBI official. Notably, Patil, in his testimony, alleged that Mehta, previously a forensic consultant for Pune Police, was approached by senior political leaders Supriya Sule and Nana Patole to liquidate Bitcoin for Maharashtra Lok Sabha election funding. Meanwhile, sources confirmed that voice notes allegedly sent by Sule, instructing Mehta to transfer funds while promising immunity, are part of the investigation. Patil also implicated IPS officers Amitabh Gupta and Bhagyashree Navtake, accusing them of framing Mehta and controlling the Bitcoin wallet tied to the scam. According to officials, audio logs retrieved from Signal detail plans to use Bitcoin funds in the 2019 and 2024 elections. As the ED and CBI collaborate, sources privy to the investigation 

 

 

 BJP State General Secretary Sanjay Shrivastava launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and other Congress leaders following the exposure of the Bitcoin scam. Highlighting its links to Maharashtra elections and enforcement actions in Chhattisgarh, Shrivatava demanded that Bhupesh and Congress leaders clarify their role in the matter. Addressing the media, Shrivastava referred to a viral social media post by a former Congress leader questioning the relationship between Bhupesh and Gaurav Mehta, the main accused in the Bitcoin scam. He further alleged, “The Mahadev App case already established Congress government’s financial ties with international crime syndicates. The Bitcoin scam revelations raise serious questions about Bhupesh’s involvement. Congress, especially Bhupesh Baghel, must answer to the people of State.” Citing an alleged audio tape involving Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole, Shrivastava stated, “If Maharashtra Congress leaders are implicated and the accused operates from Chhattisgarh, isn’t it logical to question Bhupesh Baghel’s involvement? Earlier too, Congress’s corruption-tainted funds were exposed as being used to influence elections in other states under Bhupesh’s leadership.” He accused Bhupesh’s government of being embroiled in various financial crimes, claiming, “Chhattisgarh witnessed a government that looted its own revenue. Be it Soumya Chaurasia, Sameer Vishnoi, or Ejaz Dhebar’s brother Avner, Bhupesh Baghel has always shielded them, branding corruption cases as politically motivated.” Highlighting BJP’s consistent stand against corruption, Shrivastava pointed out, “None of the accused linked to Bhupesh’s government has managed to secure bail, including ex-CGPSC chairman Taman Sonwani. This speaks volumes about the depth of their involvement in corruption under Congress rule.” The press briefing was attended by state BJP media in-charge Amit Chimnani, co-in-charge Anurag Agrawal, and spokespersons Umesh Ghormode and Amarjit Chhabra. b

 

 

The political atmosphere in Chhattisgarh is charged following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) action in the bitcoin case setting stage for a heated political battle, with both parties trading barbs and raising serious allegations. Bhupesh Baghel has dismissed allegations by BJP linking him to the case, asserting, “I do not know any Gaurav Mehta. If BJP is naming me, they should present proof. I will file a defamation case against those making baseless accusations.” The controversy escalated after BJP questioned Baghel’s alleged connection with Gaurav Mehta and even Chief Minister Sai has remarked, “Investigation will reveal who is associated with Gaurav Mehta.” On the issue of paddy procurement, Baghel accused the state government of exploiting farmers. He alleged that district collectors had been directed to underreport crop yields and claimed the government’s procurement policies were causing losses to small farmers. Highlighting issues like delayed token distribution, problematic biometric system, shortage of gunny bags, and delayed payments, Baghel said, “Paddy is piling up in storage centers, and the government seems unwilling to purchase it from farmers.” Baghel also took aim at the state government over delays in civic and panchayat elections. He pointed out that elections, as mandated by the Constitution, must be held within five years. However, he alleged that the government had issued a notification allowing a six-month delay, which he described as unconstitutional.