ED Raids EaseMyTrip Co-Founder in Connection with Mahadev Betting App Case
On April 16, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations across the country in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Mahadev online betting app money laundering case. One of the notable locations raided included the premises of Nishant Pitti, the co-founder of EaseMyTrip, a prominent online travel booking platform.
This latest series of raids was part of the ED’s intensified efforts to unravel the financial trail and alleged laundering activities connected to the controversial Mahadev betting app, which has already attracted nationwide attention for its illegal operations and links to high-profile individuals.
EaseMyTrip Issues Clarification: “No Association with Mahadev App”
In response to the ED’s actions and the subsequent media coverage, EaseMyTrip issued an official statement on April 17, categorically denying any association—direct or indirect—with the Mahadev online betting platform or any other similar entity involved in betting or gambling.
“We would like to clearly state that EaseMyTrip or any of its key stakeholders have no direct or indirect connection with the Mahadev betting app or any other betting-related platform,” the company said in its public statement.
This clarification comes at a crucial time as questions were being raised about possible business or financial ties between the popular travel platform and the betting ecosystem under investigation.
Nishant Pitti’s Premises Searched in Connection with Suspected Links
According to officials from the Enforcement Directorate, the searches at Pitti’s premises were conducted based on leads obtained during the agency’s ongoing probe into the Mahadev app’s financial network. The investigation is focused on uncovering money laundering channels, suspicious transactions, and the identities of individuals who may have been complicit in enabling the app’s operations.
However, as of now, no formal charges have been announced against Pitti or EaseMyTrip. The ED is continuing its investigation and examining records, communications, and transactions that may shed more light on the case.
The Mahadev Betting App Case: A Quick Overview
The Mahadev online betting app is at the center of a massive money laundering case that spans across multiple states in India. The app allegedly facilitated illegal betting operations on various games, including cricket, card games, and other gambling formats, drawing participation from users across the country and even abroad.
According to the ED, the Mahadev app operated through a complex network of digital platforms and shell companies to process and launder the money earned through its betting services. Several high-profile individuals, including celebrities, social media influencers, and business figures, are believed to have been associated with or benefited from the app’s operations in some capacity.
EaseMyTrip’s Market Reputation and Business Model
EaseMyTrip, founded in 2008 by the Pitti brothers—Nishant, Rikant, and Prashant—has grown to become one of India’s top online travel booking companies. It offers services including flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, and bus ticketing. The platform is listed on Indian stock exchanges and has a strong reputation for providing budget-friendly travel services to millions of users.
Given the company’s stature in the market, any alleged association with an illegal entity like the Mahadev betting app could potentially harm its public image and investor confidence. Hence, the company’s swift clarification appears aimed at containing any negative fallout and reinforcing its commitment to ethical business practices.
Investigation Continues: No Formal Charges Yet
While the ED’s search at Nishant Pitti’s premises has raised questions, it’s important to note that searches do not imply guilt or direct involvement. The investigation is still underway, and the authorities have not filed any formal charges against Pitti or EaseMyTrip at this stage.
Legal experts have pointed out that such raids are often conducted to gather preliminary evidence or validate suspicions related to ongoing financial probes. The coming days will likely bring more clarity as the ED continues to analyze data and pursue leads.
Impact on EaseMyTrip and the Travel Industry
News of the ED raids and the company’s mention in the Mahadev case has stirred concern in the stock market and the business community. EaseMyTrip’s shares experienced brief volatility following the announcement, although the company’s denial helped stabilize sentiments to some extent.
Industry observers are watching closely to see how this development will impact EaseMyTrip’s brand, customer trust, and investor relations in the short and medium term. In today’s digital-first economy, where trust is paramount, any perception of association with unethical activities can be damaging—even if the involvement is later proven to be non-existent.