Mahadev Betting App: CBI Searches Multiple Locations, ED Arrests Saurabh Chandrakar

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 33 locations in six Indian states, targeting panel operators linked to the illegal Mahadev betting platform. The searches resulted in the dismantling of live betting and gambling panels and the seizure of digital devices, mobile phones, and documents indicating the use of mule bank accounts and hawala networks.

On November 1, Saurabh Chandrakar, one of the platform’s principal promoters, was extradited from Oman to India. He was arrested by the CBI on November 4 and granted eight days of police custody. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) subsequently arrested Chandrakar under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on November 12 and secured seven days of custodial remand.

Ravi Uppal, another promoter of the Mahadev betting platform, was reportedly arrested in the UAE. Both Chandrakar and Uppal are alleged to have obtained passports from Vanuatu. The CBI has taken over 13 FIRs registered by the Chhattisgarh government and is investigating separate cases related to alleged betting operations, corruption, and mule bank accounts.

The ED has seized or frozen assets worth approximately ₹2,000 Cr and attached properties valued at around ₹3,500 Cr, including overseas assets worth around ₹1,800 Cr, such as 22 immovable properties in Dubai. The ED has filed six prosecution complaints against 116 accused individuals and estimated that the betting syndicate generated around ₹450 Cr in monthly earnings.

In September 2023, the ED identified securities worth around ₹236 Cr held by Dubai-based companies. The investigation is ongoing, and the CBI aims to examine other accused individuals, panel operators, and public servants involved in the case. The ED also plans to question Chandrakar using various forms of evidence.