CBI Extradites Mahadev Betting App Promoter Sourabh Chandrakar From Oman

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) extradited Sourabh Chandrakar, the promoter of the Mahadev Online Book betting platform, from Oman to India, according to a statement released by the agency. Chandrakar is set to be presented before a CBI Special Court in Raipur following a medical examination and completion of transit remand procedures.

He faces multiple CBI cases, as well as a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Royal Oman Police apprehended Chandrakar upon receiving an Interpol Red Corner Notice, which prompted the CBI and ED to issue formal extradition requests, backed by evidence against him. The extradition process was facilitated through Indian government agencies, Interpol’s National Central Bureau, and Omani authorities.

The CBI initiated the Mahadev Online Book cases at the request of the Chhattisgarh government. The platform reportedly functioned from outside India through a network of franchised panels and branches that recruited users and facilitated illegal betting on cricket, football, card games, and other events. The CBI alleged that betting earnings were channeled through mule bank accounts, dispersed across numerous transactions, and transferred overseas via hawala channels.

A portion of the funds allegedly went to public officials to secure protection for the syndicate's operations. The ED estimates the proceeds of crime in the Mahadev betting app case at approximately ₹6,000 crore, while also probing potential connections to high-ranking individuals in the Chhattisgarh government. In March, the ED provisionally attached 20 properties, valued at around ₹1,700 crore, in Dubai, Dubai Hills Estate, Business Bay, SLS Hotel & Residences, and New Delhi, alleging that these assets were acquired using illegal betting proceeds and controlled by Chandrakar and associates.

The CBI and ED have seized or frozen assets worth around ₹4,336 crore, seizing over 175 locations and arresting 13 individuals. The investigation has also explored potential ties to EaseMyTrip founder Nishant Pitti and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, both of whom have denied any wrongdoing.