ED attaches Raina, Dhawan’s ₹11.14 cr assets:Yuvraj Singh, Sonu Sood among celebs questioned earlier in online betting app case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹11.14 crore belonging to former Indian cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The action is linked to the ongoing probe into the promotion of the online betting platform 1xBet, which has been accused of operating illegally in India. According to sources, the agency has seized mutual fund investments worth ₹6.64 crore held in Raina’s name and assets valued at ₹4.5 crore belonging to Dhawan. According to ED sources, several celebrities allegedly used the advertisement fees received from 1xBet to acquire assets that are now being treated as “proceeds of crime”. The probe agency believes the money originated from unlawful activities related to online betting and tax evasion. Cricketers and actors questioned by ED In September, the ED questioned cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, and Shikhar Dhawan, along with actor Sonu Sood, former TMC MP and actress Mimi Chakraborty, and Bengali actor Ankush Hazra. Several social media influencers were also summoned. Statements were recorded under Section 50 of the PMLA, and many celebrities provided their bank details and transaction histories. These revealed the flow of funds from 1xBet-related promotional activities. Actress Urvashi Rautela, the Indian brand ambassador for 1xBet, was also summoned but did not appear as she was abroad at the time. Officials said that after the attachment order is confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority under PMLA, the ED will move to file a charge sheet in the case. 1xBet accused of fraud and tax evasion The ED’s investigation concerns allegations that 1xBet defrauded users and investors of crores of rupees through its illegal betting operations. The company, which claims to be a global bookmaker operating for over 18 years, allows users to wager on thousands of sporting events and offers its services in more than 70 languages. However, in India, online betting is prohibited. Despite its global presence, 1xBet and similar apps have been accused of violating Indian laws and evading taxes. Government bans online betting apps Following growing concerns over addiction and financial distress, the Indian government recently enacted the Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which imposes a complete ban on online betting apps such as Dream11, Rummy, and Poker. While the Supreme Court in 2017 classified fantasy games like Dream11 as “games of skill,” betting apps have never been recognised as legal in India. Social and financial impact The government has cited severe mental and financial consequences caused by online betting. Reports indicate that several individuals have lost their life savings and, in extreme cases, died by suicide due to gambling addiction. Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament that around 45 crore Indians have been affected by online money games, leading to an estimated ₹20,000 crore loss to middle-class families. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also classified gaming addiction as a recognised mental disorder, prompting India to take strict action against such platforms. Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan’s assets worth INR 11.4 crore attached by ED in online betting case