RAIPUR: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a fresh chargesheet against six accused in the Mahadev online betting app case, presenting new evidence related to illicit earnings, money laundering, fraud, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
The chargesheet names Asim Das, Rohit Gulati, Vikas Chhapariya, Anil Dhammani, Vishal Ahuja, and Dheeraj Ahuja. The agency also submitted fresh evidence against the app’s main promoters, Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal. So far, the CBI has filed five separate chargesheets, naming a total of 66 accused in the case.
Main promoter arrested in Oman
The alleged mastermind behind the Mahadev app, Saurabh Chandrakar, a resident of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, was arrested in Oman for allegedly entering the country using a forged Indonesian passport. He had been living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He was detained by the Royal Oman Police based on an Interpol Red Notice issued by Indian authorities. The Government of India is now preparing formal extradition documents to bring him back. Chandrakar is currently lodged at the Al Khoud High-Security Detention Centre in Muscat. He has been absconding since 2019 and is accused in the ₹5,000-crore betting scam.
Nationwide betting syndicate exposed
According to the CBI, the Mahadev online betting app is one of the largest illegal betting syndicates uncovered in India. Operating from outside the country, Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal allegedly built a nationwide network by targeting millions of users through social media platforms.
Investigators found that the syndicate operated illegal betting panels, enrolled users across India, and used mule bank accounts to launder proceeds before transferring the money overseas. A portion of the illegal earnings was allegedly paid to government officials as protection money.
The accused have been booked under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act.
Red Corner Notices issued
The promoters and their associates fled to West Asian countries several years ago and continued operating the network remotely. Interpol has issued Red Corner Notices against four key accused, while legal proceedings are underway to declare them Fugitive Economic Offenders.
The CBI said the investigation is continuing to uncover the full extent of the network, identify any political or bureaucratic protection, and prosecute the remaining accused. The agency is expected to file supplementary chargesheets as the probe progresses.
ED attaches assets worth ₹4,336 crore
In a parallel investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at more than 175 locations and arrested 13 individuals. The agency has named 74 accused and filed five prosecution complaints before the Special PMLA Court in Raipur. So far, the ED has attached, seized, or frozen assets worth ₹4,336 crore in connection with the case.
