Mahadev betting app case: CBI gets 8-day custody of kingpin Saurabh Chandrakar after extradition from Oman

Saurabh Chandrakar, an alleged accused in the Mahadev betting app case, has been remanded to eight days of police custody until November 12 by a special court in Chhattisgarh's Raipur. The court also permitted the police to take him to Delhi for examination.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took Chandrakar from its office for a medical examination before producing him before the court.

On Tuesday, the CBI brought him to Raipur from New Delhi after obtaining a two-day transit remand from a court in Delhi.

Chandrakar was arrested in Oman and subsequently brought to India following extradition proceedings. He had been detained by the Royal Oman Police after an Interpol Red Corner Notice was issued against him. A specially deputed CBI team travelled to Oman and escorted him back to India.

According to the CBI, Chandrakar is wanted in two cases in which chargesheets have already been filed. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also filed a separate prosecution complaint against him in connection with another case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched its probe into the Mahadev Online Book cases following a request from the Chhattisgarh government. The agency has described the platform as one of India's largest illegal online betting syndicates, allegedly operating from overseas.

According to the CBI, the syndicate facilitated betting on cricket, football, card games and other events through a network of franchised panels and branches spread across India. These outlets allegedly enrolled users and collected betting stakes.

The investigation further revealed that proceeds from the alleged illegal betting were routed through multiple mule bank accounts, moved through several layers of transactions and transferred overseas using hawala channels. A portion of the funds was allegedly paid to public servants as protection money to allow the syndicate to operate without obstruction.

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, as well as the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached several properties located in India and abroad in connection with the case.

With inputs from ANI...