In a major development in the Mahadev online betting app case, its promoter and key accused Saurabh Chandrakar has been extradited from Oman to India. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with other central agencies, successfully brought him back after securing approval from Omani authorities.Chandrakar was detained by the Royal Oman Police following an Interpol Red Corner Notice issued against him. A special CBI team travelled to Oman and escorted him back to India. He was brought to the CBI headquarters in Delhi and is scheduled to be produced before the CBI Special Court in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on November 2.
According to the CBI, Chandrakar is wanted in two cases in which chargesheets have already been filed. He is also an accused in a separate Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation, involving alleged money laundering and illegal betting activities.
How Did the Mahadev Betting Network Operate?
The CBI investigation revealed that Mahadev Online Book was among India’s largest alleged illegal online betting syndicates, operating from outside the country. The network reportedly offered betting on cricket, football, card games and other events through a system of franchised panels and branches spread across India.Investigators allege that the money collected through betting was transferred through multiple bank accounts, layered through several financial transactions and moved abroad using hawala channels. The agency also alleged that a portion of the proceeds was used to pay protection money to public servants to facilitate the network’s operations.
Investigation May Reveal More Details
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed Chandrakar’s extradition and expressed confidence that his return would help investigators uncover more details about the alleged betting syndicate, including the identities of those who received protection money.The extradition is being seen as an important development in the ongoing CBI and ED investigations. Authorities are now expected to question Chandrakar as the investigation into the alleged betting and money-laundering network moves forward.
