BY AYUSH ARORA
Sahil Khan, an actor and influencer, was detained by the Mumbai Police on suspicion of being involved in the Mahadev betting app case. The Special Investigating Team (SIT) of the Mumbai cyber cell captured him in Chhattisgarh after the Bombay High Court denied his request for pre-arrest bail. He is being held by the police until May 1.
Sahil had already been summoned by the SIT and three other people for questioning in December 2023, but he had failed to appear. Denying any direct affiliation with the betting site, he stated that he was only a brand promoter for The Lion Book brand under a contract with M/s. Isports247. He was a co-owner of the app, according to the police, though. He was transported from Raipur to Mumbai. He was the partner of Lotus App 247, the police said. The actor declared, “I believe in the judiciary of the country,” after being taken to Mumbai.
Sahil had earlier said that his contract was for 24 months, with a monthly payment of 3 lakhs for posting promotional videos on his social media. Despite this, the court dismissed his bail plea, citing his direct involvement in the illegal operation. Known for his roles in Style and Excuse Me, Sahil now focuses on fitness, having founded Divine Nutrition, which offers fitness supplements.
Back in 2023, it was reported that the crime branch, conducting an inquiry into the Mahadev betting app case, summoned Sahil Khan and three others to record their statements on December 15. However, Khan did not present himself before the police for investigation and continued to engage on social media during that period. He even posted a picture of himself sitting in a pool with the caption, “Good morning, Jumma Mubarak.” This has drawn attention and criticism as he seemingly ignored the police summons.
According to reports in IANS, authorities mentioned that Sahil Khan, as a fitness expert and YouTuber, allegedly put together celebrity gatherings with the intention of promoting the app and enticing more individuals to use it. The case, under simultaneous investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, had brought several other Bollywood actors under scrutiny following crackdown on various betting and gaming apps by different agencies.