Mahadev betting app kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar extradited from Oman, to face CBI court in Raipur

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has brought Sourabh Chandrakar, promoter of the Mahadev online betting syndicate and a key accused in the illegal betting cases, back to India following his extradition from Oman.

A CBI team that travelled to Oman escorted Chandrakar to India in coordination with other central agencies. He will be medically examined and taken to Raipur after the agency secures transit remand. He is scheduled to be produced before the CBI Special Court in Raipur on Monday.

Also read: Mahadev app still active, generated over Rs 94,000 cr from illegal betting: Enforcement Directorate


Chandrakar is wanted in two cases investigated by the CBI, in which chargesheets have already been filed, as well as a separate Enforcement Directorate (ED) case where a prosecution complaint has been submitted.

Betting network used mule accounts, hawala channels to move proceeds

The CBI took over the investigation into the Mahadev Online Book cases following a request from the Chhattisgarh government. Its probe found that the platform was among the country's largest illegal online betting syndicates, operating from outside India.

The network allegedly facilitated betting on cricket, football, card games and other events through a system of franchised panels and branches across the country. These outlets enrolled users and collected betting stakes.

Investigators found that the proceeds were channelled through numerous mule bank accounts, routed through multiple transactions and transferred overseas using hawala networks. Part of the money was allegedly used to pay protection money to public servants to ensure the syndicate could continue operating without interference.

The CBI has filed chargesheets invoking provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Indian Penal Code relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery, and the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act. Chandrakar is among the key accused named in the chargesheets. The ED has also attached several properties in India and abroad.

Also read: Mahadev betting funds used for Ebix buy: Enforcement Directorate

Red Corner Notice led to detention in Oman

Chandrakar was traced and detained by the Royal Oman Police following the issuance of an Interpol Red Corner Notice against him.

The CBI and ED subsequently submitted formal extradition requests to Oman, accompanied by evidence collected against the accused. The process was pursued in coordination with other central agencies, the Interpol National Central Bureau and the competent authorities in Oman.

After extradition was approved, the CBI dispatched a team to Muscat to bring Chandrakar back to India.

The agency credited the Omani government and the Royal Oman Police for their cooperation, describing the extradition as an important step in India's efforts to bring back fugitives accused of operating transnational criminal networks and subject them to Indian law.