Mahadev Betting App Case: A major development has taken place in the Mahadev online betting app case. Saurabh Chandrakar, the promoter and prime accused in this illegal betting syndicate, has been extradited from Oman and brought to India. Upon his arrival in India, he was produced before the Rouse Avenue Court. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has also responded to this development, congratulating the CBI and central investigative agencies for their success in bringing Saurabh Chandrakar to India.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the CBI had been working to bring the prime accused in the Mahadev betting app case, Saurabh Chandrakar, back to India. His interrogation is expected to reveal crucial information related to the case. Describing this as a significant success, he extended his congratulations to the CBI and other central agencies.
Earlier, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma had also confirmed the extradition of Saurabh Chandrakar. He noted that the CBI, with the assistance of Interpol, successfully brought the accused—linked to the online betting syndicate—to India. Significant revelations are expected during his interrogation.
Saurabh Chandrakar was wanted in two CBI cases.
A special team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) brought Saurabh Chandrakar from Oman to India. He was wanted in two separate CBI cases, for which charge sheets have already been filed. Additionally, a prosecution complaint has been filed against him in a case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Saurabh Chandrakar was taken into custody by the Royal Oman Police based on a Red Corner Notice issued against him. Subsequently, the CBI and the ED submitted a formal extradition request to the Omani government, supported by evidence gathered against him. Following the completion of the necessary legal procedures, he was brought to India.
The Mahadev app was part of one of the country’s largest illegal online betting networks.
At the request of the Chhattisgarh government, the CBI initiated an investigation into matters linked to the ‘Mahadev Online Book.’ The investigation revealed that it was one of the largest illegal online betting networks in the country. It was being operated from outside India.
Through this network, online bets were placed on cricket, football, card games, and other events. A nationwide network of franchise-based panels and branches had been established for this purpose. These were used to bring people into the betting fold and collect funds from them.
Funds were siphoned abroad via fake bank accounts and the ‘hawala’ (informal money transfer) network.
According to investigative agencies, earnings from the illegal betting operations were moved through a large number of fake bank accounts across various stages. Subsequently, the funds were transferred abroad using the ‘hawala’ network.
The CBI investigation also revealed allegations that a portion of the syndicate’s illicit earnings was paid to certain government officials and employees as ‘protection money’ to ensure the network could continue operating without any interference.
The extradition of Saurabh Chandrakar to India is considered a significant development in the investigation into the Mahadev betting case. It is expected that questioning by investigative agencies will now yield crucial information regarding the entire network, its financial transactions, and the individuals allegedly involved.
