Saurabh Chandrakar Returned to India in Mahadev Betting Probe
Saurabh Chandrakar, identified as the mastermind behind the Mahadev app illegal betting syndicate, has been extradited from Oman and brought back to India by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The CBI's special team has brought him to India. He is due to appear before the CBI special court in Raipur.
Chandrakar is wanted in two separate CBI cases, both of which have seen chargesheets filed. He also faces a prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case.
The return of Chandrakar is considered a landmark for India. It reinforces the broader push to捕 extradite fugitives who run criminal operations against Indian citizens from abroad and to subject them to Indian legal proceedings.
The CBI launched its investigation into the Mahadev Online Book matter on the request of the Chhattisgarh government. The probe found that the platform was one of the biggest illegal online betting networks in India and was run from outside the country.
The syndicate offered betting on cricket, football, card games and other events. Its franchise-based structure, comprising panels and branches across the country, was used to attract people and collect their money.
The proceeds of this illegal betting were passed through a large number of fake bank accounts. After several rounds of transactions, the money was allegedly sent abroad via hawala.
According to the CBI, a share of the illegal income was paid to some government officials and employees as protection money, which helped the syndicate operate without obstruction.
In its chargesheets, the CBI has invoked the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery, and the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act. Chandrakar is among the principal accused. The ED has seized several properties in India and overseas linked to the syndicate.
Royal Oman Police detained Chandrakar after tracing him on the basis of a red corner notice. The CBI and ED then sent Oman a formal extradition request supported by evidence against him.
With help from several Indian government agencies, Interpol and Omani authorities, the extradition was completed. After approval, a CBI team travelled to Muscat and brought him back.
The CBI has thanked the Government of Oman and Royal Oman Police for their support. It said the operation shows the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and their shared commitment against transnational organised crime.
Chandrakar will first undergo a medical examination. After transit remand is obtained, he will be taken to Raipur and produced before the CBI special judge.