Mahadev Betting App Kingpin Sent to Police Custody

Saurabh Chandrakar, a key figure in the Mahadev betting app case, has been placed in eight-day police custody until November 12. This decision by a special court in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, allows authorities to take him to Delhi for further examination.

What Happened

Saurabh Chandrakar, identified as an alleged accused in the Mahadev betting app case, was granted eight days of police custody by a special court in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, as reported by The Economic Times. The custody extends until November 12, with specific permission for authorities to transport him to Delhi for examination. Prior to his court appearance, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a medical examination, according to The Economic Times.

Chandrakar was brought to Raipur from New Delhi by the CBI after securing a two-day transit remand from a Delhi court on Tuesday. His return to India followed extradition proceedings from Oman, where he was arrested by the Royal Oman Police based on an Interpol Red Corner Notice issued against him. A CBI team specifically assigned to Oman escorted him back to the country, as detailed by The Economic Times.

The CBI states that Chandrakar is wanted in two cases where chargesheets have already been filed. Separately, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also filed a prosecution complaint against him in connection with a distinct case. The CBI initiated its investigation into the Mahadev Online Book cases at the request of the Chhattisgarh government, identifying the platform as one of India’s largest illegal online betting syndicates, reportedly operating from outside the country, according to The Economic Times.

Key Details

• Saurabh Chandrakar received an eight-day police custody order, valid until November 12, from a special court in Raipur, Chhattisgarh (The Economic Times).
• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) transported Chandrakar to Raipur from New Delhi after obtaining a two-day transit remand (The Economic Times).
• Chandrakar’s arrest occurred in Oman by the Royal Oman Police, facilitated by an Interpol Red Corner Notice, leading to his extradition to India (The Economic Times).
• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a separate prosecution complaint against Chandrakar in addition to two existing cases where CBI chargesheets have been filed (The Economic Times).

Why It Matters

The Mahadev betting app case, in which Chandrakar is a central figure, concerns an alleged illegal online betting syndicate described by the CBI as one of the largest in India, operating internationally. The syndicate reportedly facilitated betting on various events, including cricket, football, and card games, through a network of franchised panels across India, which enrolled users and collected stakes (The Economic Times). The investigation by the CBI alleges that proceeds from the illegal betting were laundered through numerous mule bank accounts, layered through multiple transactions, and then transferred abroad via hawala channels. A portion of these proceeds was purportedly used to pay protection money to public servants to ensure the syndicate’s unhindered operation, according to The Economic Times.

The CBI has filed chargesheets under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, along with provisions of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery, as well as the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act. The ED has also taken action by attaching several properties both within India and abroad in connection with this case, highlighting the multi-jurisdictional and multi-agency nature of the investigation (The Economic Times).

What’s Next

Chandrakar will remain in police custody until November 12, during which period he may be taken to Delhi for further examination as permitted by the court (The Economic Times).