A new scandal has shaken India’s cricket and entertainment world. Former Indian cricket stars Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina are now under legal scrutiny. According to news agency PTI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets worth ₹11.14 crore belonging to the two players.
ইডির নজরে থাকা এই দুই ভারতীয় ক্রিকেটারের বাজেয়াপ্ত হল কোটি টাকার সম্পত্তি
As per the ED investigation, both former cricketers were involved in promotional activities for the illegal online betting app “1xBet.” The app is accused of luring the public with false promises and being involved in large-scale financial fraud and money laundering.
The seized properties reportedly include Raina’s mutual fund investments worth ₹6.64 crore and Dhawan’s immovable assets worth ₹4.5 crore.
ED sources said that Dhawan was questioned on September 4, while Raina was interrogated a month earlier. Several other celebrities and former players have also been questioned in connection with the case. The ED had already been monitoring illegal betting and online gaming apps, especially ahead of the implementation of new regulations on online gaming.
Notably, the central government has declared “1xBet” an illegal platform. Among those associated with its promotional campaigns were Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, actor Sonu Sood, and others. Recently, former TMC MP and actress Mimi Chakraborty, actor Ankush Hazra, and Bollywood star Urvashi Rautela have also been questioned in connection with this case.
According to government sources, this online betting platform had been deceiving users for years under various brand names. It allegedly used the faces of well-known celebrities in its promotions to gain public trust—one of the main reasons behind the seizure of Dhawan and Raina’s assets.