ED Summons Ranbir Kapoor in illegal online betting case

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor in connection with its probe into illegal online betting platform Mahadev Book App. The actor has been asked to appear before the agency on Friday.

According to the ED, the actor had endorsed the illegal app on social media and accepted payments which the agency is treating as proceeds of crime.

Ranbir Kapoor wasn't immediately available for comment.


Mahadev Book App is an umbrella syndicate that allows betting websites to enrol new users and create user IDs, according to the ED. Being run from the UAE, it is into online betting and gambling, which are illegal in India.

"Since this is the first summon, Kapoor could present himself in person or represent himself through a representative," said an official privy to the development.

The agency wants to know the contact and payment details from the actor.

"Kapoor would have been approached by their associates in India. We want to get details of the point person(s) as the main accused are on the run and are suspected to be holed up in Dubai. Also, the payments made to the actor are suspected to be in cash; we want to know who made the payments, the timeline of these payments and if this was through any hawala operator," added the official.