After bringing Mahadev app's kingpin from Oman, agencies step up push to extradite co-founder from Dubai

Indian probe agencies are intensifying efforts to extradite Mahadev online betting app co-founder Ravi Uppal from Dubai, following the successful extradition of the mastermind, Sourabh Chandrakar, from Oman, officials revealed. Uppal, who initially fled India to Dubai in 2019, is now believed to have returned to the UAE city after a brief absence.

A resident of Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, he is among the 116 accused individuals named by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the ₹6,000 crore betting racket. Uppal is the co-owner of Mahadev Online Book, the betting app, and co-managed the head office with Chandrakar. The ED's officers disclosed that they have information confirming Uppal's return to Dubai and are actively pursuing extradition proceedings.

They emphasize that capturing both Chandrakar and Uppal would enable them to dismantle the entire conspiracy and identify all beneficiaries of the illegal betting operations. The ED officer further stated that Uppal played a crucial role in handling hawala deliveries and liaising with politicians in Chhattisgarh. The ED has also sought the extradition of another accused, Vikash Chhaparia, from Dubai.

In their six chargesheets, the ED has alleged that Mahadev promoters bribed politicians, including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, and bureaucrats in the state. Baghel has consistently denied the allegations against him.