RAIPUR: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), working alongside other central agencies, has extradited Sourabh Chandrakar from Oman. He is the main accused and promoter of the Mahadev online betting syndicate. He will be produced before a special CBI court in Raipur.
The CBI is investigating cases linked to the Mahadev betting app after the Chhattisgarh government transferred 13 FIRs to the agency. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also filed a prosecution complaint against him. A Red Notice was issued against Chandrakar, leading to his detention by the Royal Oman Police.
Following his detention, the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate submitted a formal extradition proposal to Oman through the Union government, accompanied by judicial evidence collected against the accused. Omani authorities approved the extradition after consultations between Indian agencies, Interpol, and officials in Oman.
A special CBI team subsequently travelled to Muscat, took custody of Chandrakar, and escorted him back to India.
CBI investigations revealed that the Mahadev online book operated as a major illegal online betting syndicate managed from outside India. The platform facilitated online gambling on cricket, football, card games, and other sports.
The syndicate established panels and branches operating like franchises across the country to recruit users and collect funds. Investigative agencies stated that proceeds from betting operations were deposited into multiple bank accounts to mask transactions before being remitted abroad through hawala channels.
The CBI probe further revealed that bribes were paid to public servants to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the network.
The CBI has filed a chargesheet incorporating provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery under the Indian Penal Code, alongside relevant sections of the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act.
The Enforcement Directorate has attached multiple properties linked to the syndicate in India and abroad.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Chandrakar allegedly entered Oman using a forged Indonesian passport carrying his photograph alongside details belonging to a Sri Lankan cricketer. The matter is being investigated by Omani and Indian authorities.
