Mahadev Betting App Case: CBI Conducts Searches At 33 Locations Across 6 States

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out searches at 33 locations across six states in India, targeting key operators of the Mahadev Online Book illegal betting platform. The searches were based on information provided by Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the platform's main promoters, after his extradition from Oman. During the raids, live betting panels were dismantled and digital evidence, including mobile phones and incriminating documents, were seized.

Chandrakar was extradited from Oman and arrested by the CBI on November 1, 2026, granting the CBI eight days of police custody. At a subsequent hearing, Chandrakar was remanded to judicial custody until November 19, 2026. The investigation revealed that the platform operated overseas through a head office, utilizing a network of panel operators in India who facilitated criminal activities such as accepting betting funds and transferring profits overseas using hawala channels.

The Bombay High Court has ordered the CBI, ED, and Income Tax Department to probe the Sinhgad Society, which owns 44 institutions, and has frozen bank accounts of the entities involved, citing over ₹400 crore in unpaid dues. The investigation is still ongoing, with extradition procedures underway for other absconding accused. The CBI has issued a public advisory warning against online betting and gambling, emphasizing that lending or renting bank accounts, SIM cards, or identities for such activities is also illegal and punishable.