The detention of alleged Mahadev online betting syndicate promoter Sourabh Chandrakar in Oman has brought fresh attention to one of India’s biggest money laundering and illegal betting investigations. Indian agencies are now working to secure his extradition or deportation so that he can face multiple criminal cases linked to the alleged betting network.
According to investigators cited by Hindustan Times, Chandrakar was taken into custody by the Royal Oman Police following an Interpol Red Notice issued at India’s request. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Chhattisgarh Police are jointly pursuing the process to bring him back.
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Who is Sourabh Chandrakar?
A native of Chhattisgarh, Chandrakar is alleged to be one of the founders of the Mahadev online betting network. Before entering the betting business, he reportedly worked as a juice seller in Bhilai.
Investigators allege that he and his associate Ravi Uppal built an international betting operation that was managed primarily from the United Arab Emirates while targeting users in India. Rather than functioning as a single betting website, the network allegedly operated through a franchise model, allowing local operators to recruit users, collect bets and share profits.
The platforms reportedly offered betting on cricket, football, tennis, card games and other activities.
Why was he detained?
According to Indian agencies quoted by HT, Chandrakar was detained in Oman on the basis of the Interpol notice. Officials also allege that he entered the country using a forged passport obtained from a Southeast Asian nation.
India has initiated proceedings under the India-Oman extradition framework, although the final decision will be taken by Omani authorities and courts.
This is not the first time Chandrakar has faced detention overseas. In 2024, he was detained in Dubai following an Interpol Red Notice but was later released after India’s extradition request was not accepted.
What is the Mahadev betting app case?
The investigation began as a probe into illegal online betting before expanding into an alleged international money laundering case. The ED claims the syndicate operated through multiple betting platforms, shell companies, hawala channels and digital payment networks spread across several countries.
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Investigators estimate that the alleged proceeds of crime exceed Rs 6,000 crore. The agency has attached assets worth several thousand crores, including luxury properties in Dubai, and arrested several alleged associates during the investigation.
The case also attracted national attention after the ED highlighted Chandrakar’s lavish UAE wedding, alleging that chartered flights, celebrity performances and luxury arrangements were funded using suspected proceeds of crime. If extradited to India, Chandrakar is expected to face prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and other criminal provisions invoked by central and state investigating agencies.
FAQs:
Who is Sourabh Chandrakar?
He is one of the alleged founders of the Mahadev online betting network and is under investigation in India.
Why was Sourabh Chandrakar detained in Oman?
Indian agencies say he was detained based on an Interpol Red Notice as India seeks his extradition to face multiple criminal cases.
