{
  "id": 9680560,
  "title": "Mahadev app case: CBI arrests key accused on return from Dubai",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/mahadev-app-case-cbi-arrests-key-accused-on-return-from-dubai",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T02:17:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mahadev-app-case-cbi-arrests-key-accused-on-return-from-dubai-101790277120877.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a crucial member, Abhishek Kumar, in connection with the Mahadev online betting syndicate following his arrival from Dubai at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on Thursday. Kumar, who had been evading arrest, was reportedly a trusted associate of Mahadev founder Sourabh Chandrakar. According to a CBI spokesperson, Kumar played a pivotal role in managing online betting and gambling operations under Mahadev Book, coordinating betting panels, collecting funds, and utilizing illicitly acquired assets in Dubai sourced from betting and gambling activities. The agency stated that Kumar was brought before a court in Raipur. However, the CBI did not disclose whether Kumar had arrived in India independently or was deported from Dubai at India's invitation. Kumar is alleged to have collaborated with Chandrakar and another significant figure, Shubham Soni. Chandrakar, identified as the co-architect of the Mahadev online betting scheme, was apprehended in Oman this year in June, and his extradition proceedings are ongoing. In contrast, Ravi Uppal, Chandrakar's partner and co-mastermind of the venture, had fled from the UAE to Vanuatu, as informed to Indian agencies last year. The CBI disclosed that it has already filed eight charge sheets against 100 individuals, encompassing primary promoters of the Mahadev betting application, panel operators, hawala operators, and officials from the Chhattisgarh government. The agency aims to bring the primary promoters - Chandrakar and Uppal - back to India for trial. So far, seven red notices and two extradition proposals have been submitted, with extradition proceedings against the two suspects currently underway. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), concurrently investigating money laundering related to the case, filed its sixth charge sheet this month against 42 individuals and companies. The ED has asserted in the charge sheet that Mahadev and its affiliated websites generated criminal proceeds amounting to ₹94,400 crore over the past decade, with the principal platform still active and managing a substantial number of betting panels. The Mahadev application offers illicit betting platforms for various live games, including Poker, card games, chance games, and sports betting on cricket, badminton, tennis, and football. Additionally, the app provides facilities for playing card games such as Teen Patti, Dragon Tiger, and Virtual Cricket using virtual cards, as well as applications enabling bets on various Indian elections.",
  "summary": "The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a key accused, Abhishek Kumar, in the Mahadev online betting racket after he arrived from Dubai at the Rajiv Gandhi International airport in Hyderabad, the agency said on Thursday",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}