The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Mumbai Crime Branch has secured its first arrest in connection with the ₹15,000 crore Mahdev betting app case. Following the FIR filed by Matunga Police last year, the case was transferred to the crime branch, leading to the formation of the SIT.

Dixit Kothari (27), the arrested person, was identified by the Mumbai Crime Branch as a key player behind the notorious LotusBook 08, widely recognized in 2021 and still operational for betting activities. The Special Investigation Team disclosed that Kothari's email address was used for domain acquisition, and he has been contributing ₹20 lakh for maintenance fees for the past two years. The SIT is actively pursuing other participants in Mahdev betting app case.