Former Bigg Boss 13 contestant and television presenter Shefali Bagga has surrendered Rs 1.20 crore to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the agency’s investigation into the Mahadev online betting app syndicate. The development was mentioned in the ED’s latest chargesheet filed before a Raipur court on October 8, 2026.
According to the agency, Bagga received money for promotional videos linked to betting platforms allegedly associated with the Mahadev network. Bagga has maintained that she was unaware that the platforms were being operated illegally and has said that her involvement was limited to promotional engagements.
Who Is Shefali Bagga?
Shefali Bagga is a television presenter and journalist who became widely known after participating in Bigg Boss 13. She has remained active in television and digital media following her appearance on the reality show.
Her name came under the ED’s scanner as investigators examined promotional activities allegedly connected with betting applications associated with the Mahadev network.
The agency had questioned Bagga earlier in the investigation and conducted searches at her premises in May 2026.
Why Did Shefali Bagga Surrender Rs 1.2 Crore?
According to the latest ED chargesheet, investigators found that Bagga had received approximately Rs 1.5 crore for making promotional videos for the betting app syndicate.
During searches at her residence, the ED said it seized Rs 30 lakh in cash. Bagga subsequently surrendered the remaining Rs 1.20 crore to the agency.
The money was reportedly submitted through two demand drafts worth Rs 50 lakh and Rs 70 lakh.
The ED has alleged that the payments formed part of proceeds connected to the Mahadev betting syndicate.
Bagga Says She Was Unaware of the Alleged Illegal Activity
Bagga has denied knowingly participating in illegal activities associated with the betting network.
According to Hindustan Times, she said her role was limited to promoting certain brands on social media and that she did not know the platforms were connected to illegal betting activities.
She also said she had cooperated with the investigation and surrendered the money to the agency. The ED has recorded her statement as a witness statement, according to the report.
It is important to note that allegations contained in an investigation or chargesheet are not the same as a final finding of guilt.
ED’s Investigation Into the Mahadev App Case
The Mahadev online betting app investigation has been ongoing for several years and has involved alleged betting operations, money laundering and the movement of suspected proceeds through multiple entities.
The latest ED chargesheet names 42 people, according to reports. The agency has also alleged that proceeds connected to the syndicate were routed through different financial and corporate structures.
The investigation has also examined the alleged involvement of celebrities, social media influencers and other public figures who were reportedly approached for promotional activities.
Shefali Bagga Was Questioned Earlier This Year
The latest development follows questioning of Bagga by the ED in July.
At that time, investigators were examining her alleged links with people suspected of promoting betting applications connected to the Mahadev network. The agency was also examining digital material and promotional content as part of its investigation.
The investigation subsequently led to the surrender of the additional Rs 1.20 crore mentioned in the latest chargesheet.
What Does the Rs 1.5 Crore Figure Mean?
The ED’s account indicates that Bagga allegedly received around Rs 1.5 crore for promotional activities.
Of this amount:
- Rs 30 lakh was seized during searches, according to the ED.
- Rs 1.20 crore was subsequently surrendered by Bagga.
- The combined amount totals approximately Rs 1.5 crore.
The agency is treating the payments as part of the financial trail it is investigating in the Mahadev case.
What Happens Next?
The surrender of the money does not by itself determine the final legal outcome of the case. The ED’s investigation and court proceedings will determine how the evidence and allegations are ultimately dealt with.
For now, the latest development is that Bagga has surrendered Rs 1.20 crore after being questioned in connection with the investigation, while she has maintained that she did not know the platforms were allegedly being operated illegally.
Shefali Bagga Mahadev Case: Key Facts
- Name: Shefali Bagga
- Known for: Bigg Boss 13
- Agency: Enforcement Directorate
- Case: Mahadev online betting app investigation
- Amount surrendered: Rs 1.20 crore
- Amount the ED says she received: Approximately Rs 1.5 crore
- Cash reportedly seized: Rs 30 lakh
- Latest development: Rs 1.20 crore surrendered after questioning
- Bagga’s position: She says she was unaware of the alleged illegal operation of the platforms
Conclusion
Shefali Bagga’s surrender of Rs 1.20 crore has brought fresh attention to the ongoing Mahadev online betting app investigation. According to the ED’s latest chargesheet, the former Bigg Boss contestant received around Rs 1.5 crore for promotional videos linked to the betting syndicate.
Bagga has maintained that she did not know about the alleged illegal nature of the platforms and has said that she cooperated with the investigation.
As the ED’s wider investigation continues, the latest chargesheet provides a fresh look at the financial transactions and promotional network being examined by the agency.
