Mahadev scam: ED searches EaseMyTrip founder's residence, other locations

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches in several locations including premises linked to travel portal EaseMyTrip in connection with its probe into the Mahadev Book illegal online betting application case, people in the know told ET.

The agency that probes money-laundering cases searched over a dozen places in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Indore, Jaipur and Sambalpur. These included the residence of EaseMyTrip founder Nishant Pitti in Delhi, the people said. In Mumbai, the ED searched the premises of a company located at Teli Gali in suburban Andheri.

"Fresh leads have emerged and based on the new evidence searches were conducted," said a senior official.


The latest searches focused on the offshore operations of Mahadev Book, its affiliates operating in India and abroad, and the alleged proceeds of crime diverted through various instruments including foreign portfolio investments in Indian shares.

Messages sent to EaseMyTrip seeking comment didn't elicit a response till press time Wednesday.

According to the ED, its probe has revealed that MahadevBetting app is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites to enrol new users and laundering of money. The ED estimates the scam to be more than ₹5,500 crore.