Indian Authorities Successfully Extradite Mahadev App Mastermind from Oman
Saurabh Chandrakar, main accused in the Mahadev App case, has been extradited from Oman to India by the CBI.
New Delhi, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully extradited Saurabh Chandrakar, the key figure behind the Mahadev App illegal betting syndicate, from Oman to India. A special CBI team brought him back, and he is set to be presented before a special court in Raipur.
Chandrakar is wanted in two cases filed by the CBI, with charges already submitted. Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint against him in a related case. This extradition marks a significant achievement for India, bolstering efforts to bring fugitives operating from abroad to justice under Indian law.
The CBI initiated its investigation into the Mahadev online betting cases at the request of the Chhattisgarh government. The probe revealed that the Mahadev online platform was one of the largest illegal betting networks in the country, operated from outside India.
The syndicate facilitated illegal betting on cricket, football, card games, and other events through a franchise-based network of “panels” and “branches” across the country, connecting with individuals and collecting money.
Investigators also uncovered that the profits from illegal betting were funneled through numerous fake bank accounts. After several layers of transactions, the funds were sent abroad via hawala channels.
According to the CBI, a portion of this illegal income was allegedly paid as protection money to some government officials and employees, allowing the syndicate to operate without interruption.
The CBI has filed charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988, the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, fraud, and forgery, as well as the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act. Chandrakar is among the primary accused in these cases. Meanwhile, the ED has seized several assets linked to this syndicate both in India and abroad.
Following a Red Corner Notice issued against him, the Royal Oman Police located and detained Chandrakar. Subsequently, the CBI and ED submitted a formal extradition request to the Omani government, backed by the evidence they had gathered.
The extradition process was completed with the cooperation of various Indian agencies, Interpol, and Omani officials. After the extradition was approved, the CBI team traveled to Muscat to bring him back to India.
The CBI has expressed gratitude to the Omani government and the Royal Oman Police for their assistance in this operation, highlighting it as an example of the strong ties between the two nations and their shared commitment to combating international organized crime.
Chandrakar will undergo a medical examination before being transported to Raipur, where he will be presented before a special CBI judge.
