CBI Brings Mahadev Betting Promoter Back From Oman

A CBI team has brought Sourabh Chandrakar from Oman to India after Omani police detained him under an Interpol Red Corner Notice. The promoter of the Mahadev Online Book betting network is due before a special CBI court in Raipur on Monday. His return puts an accused figure from a betting operation investigators say ran from abroad into Indian custody. ^1,2

Monday’s court appearance follows a cross-border process. The CBI and Enforcement Directorate sent Oman formal requests with evidence, and the CBI sent a team to Muscat after extradition was approved. Chandrakar faces two CBI cases, both already charge-sheeted, and a separate ED case. He is expected to have a medical examination and be taken to Raipur after the CBI gets transit remand.^2,3 The CBI took over the investigation at the request of the Chhattisgarh government. ¹

The investigation describes a network of franchised panels and branches across India. They enrolled users and collected bets on cricket, football, card games and other events. The CBI says the operation was among the country’s largest illegal online betting syndicates and ran from outside India. Investigators allege that proceeds passed through mule bank accounts, moved through multiple transactions, and went overseas through hawala channels. They also allege some money paid public servants to protect the operation.^1,3 Those claims are part of the cases, not findings of guilt.

The chargesheets name Chandrakar as a key accused and cite alleged conspiracy, cheating, forgery, corruption and gambling offences. The ED is separately pursuing the money-laundering case and has attached properties in India and abroad, according to the reports.^2,4 The CBI says Oman’s cooperation helped secure his return. The next concrete step is Monday’s hearing in Raipur, where the court will take up the case against Chandrakar. ^1,2