Raipur: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday produced Saurabh Chandrakar, the key accused in the alleged ₹6,000-crore Mahadev online betting network case, before a special CBI court in Raipur.

The agency produced Chandrakar before Special Judge Manoj Kumar Singh Thakur under heavy security and requested 10-day custodial remand for interrogation. Counsel for the defence questioned the validity of the arrest, terming it illegal. Following arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the hearing until after lunch.

Advocate Chandan Singh appeared for the CBI, while advocates Tushar Giri and Shashank Mishra represented the defence. Senior officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) were also present in the courtroom.

During the hearing, defence counsel raised objections to the procedure followed by the CBI, alleging that the agency failed to submit crucial arrest-related documents before the court. Defence lawyers argued that the agency was adopting a contradictory stand.

The defence cited the extradition terms and conditions related to the arrest made under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by the ED. Counsel contended that Oman approved Chandrakar’s extradition specifically for the ED case, and action by the CBI could violate extradition terms.

Responding to the arguments, the CBI stated that the orders cited by the defence were old, adding that Chandrakar was arrested under a fresh order that does not specify any single investigative agency.

A similar dispute regarding extradition terms arose during a hearing at Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi. The CBI had then stated that the special court in Raipur had already issued a non-bailable warrant against Chandrakar. The agency argued that the ED and CBI cases are interconnected, and the validity of prosecution would be decided by the Raipur court, as the Delhi court was only dealing with transit remand.

Following completion of the extradition process from Oman, a CBI team brought Chandrakar from Muscat to India on 1 November. He was produced before Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Monday, where Principal District and Sessions Judge Nikhil Chopra granted a two-day transit remand with directions to produce him before the special CBI court in Raipur on or before 4 November 2026.

The CBI team brought Chandrakar from Delhi to Raipur on flight E6 2307 on Tuesday before producing him in the special court within the stipulated timeframe.

Investigating agencies stated that Chandrakar had been residing in Dubai since 2023, with Interpol issuing a Red Corner Notice against him. He allegedly used forged identity documents, including a fake Indonesian passport under the name ‘Ajanta Mendis’, to evade arrest. He subsequently reached Oman, where the Royal Oman Police arrested him on 8 July 2026. He was brought back to India 116 days after his arrest following completion of extradition formalities.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) had also sought Chandrakar’s extradition. However, the Muscat Court of Appeal in Oman ruled on 8 October 2026 to prioritize India’s request. India filed its extradition petition on 12 July, while the UAE’s request reached Oman on 14 July.

The Indian Embassy confirmed his Indian citizenship on 30 August. Chandrakar claimed citizenship of Vanuatu, but the Omani court rejected the plea. India assured Oman that Chandrakar would not be handed over to any third country without prior permission, would receive a fair trial, and would not face prosecution for older cases not covered under the request. Due to the absence of similar assurances from the UAE, the court prioritized India’s request. Proceedings related to forged documents in Oman also contributed to the delay in extradition.

The CBI is investigating cases linked to the Mahadev online betting app after the Chhattisgarh government handed over 13 FIRs to the agency. The CBI has filed chargesheets in two cases. The ED is separately probing money laundering aspects connected to the network and has filed a prosecution complaint against Chandrakar.

Investigators alleged that proceeds from online betting were diverted through various channels, including hawala routes. Expenses incurred on Chandrakar’s lavish wedding in the UAE, private jets, and large-scale events remain under investigation. Multiple FIRs stand registered across the country, leading to several arrests.

Hailing from Bhilai, Chandrakar emerged as a central figure in the Mahadev network. According to investigating agencies, the operation began on a small scale before expanding into an international syndicate. Authorities are probing the roles of individuals and entities based overseas, including in Dubai.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai complimented the CBI on Chandrakar’s arrest, expressing expectation that the operation would yield key disclosures regarding protection money transactions.

The CBI seeks to interrogate Chandrakar regarding the operation of the betting network, financial transactions, foreign-registered companies, and individuals associated with the syndicate. The probe also covers alleged protection money payments and hawala transfers. Legal arguments on the remand request continue in court.