CBI raids 33 locations in 6 states after questioning Mahadev betting accused Sourabh Chandrakar

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has searched 33 locations across six states as part of its investigation into the illegal Mahadev Online Book betting network. The searches, conducted over the past few days, followed disclosures made by the platform's alleged mastermind and promoter, Sourabh Chandrakar, during his interrogation after being extradited from Oman.

According to a CBI spokesperson, the agency raided premises linked to panel operators allegedly running the betting platform in India. Investigators found live betting and gambling operations at several locations and dismantled the panels.

The agency also seized digital devices, mobile phones and documents that allegedly point to the use of mule bank accounts and hawala channels to move betting proceeds.

Chandrakar was brought back to India from Oman on November 1 after evading arrest for around five to six years. He was questioned by the CBI between November 2 and 12, during which investigators sought details about the platform's operations and its network of panel operators.

The CBI said he was also confronted with documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation.

How the betting network allegedly operated

The CBI's investigation has indicated that the platform was controlled from abroad through a head office in Dubai, while its operations in India were handled by an extensive network of panel operators.

These operators allegedly managed customer IDs and collected betting money through bank accounts opened or hired in the names of other individuals. The profits were subsequently transferred overseas through hawala channels, the agency said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a parallel money-laundering investigation, has estimated that the proceeds linked to the Mahadev app and associated platforms amount to around ₹94,000 crore. Of this, approximately ₹4,000 crore to ₹5,000 crore is believed to have been remitted to the promoters.

The CBI is investigating two cases related to the Mahadev Online Book network. The agency took up the investigations following a request from the Chhattisgarh government.

Chandrakar in ED custody, Ravi Uppal arrested in Dubai

Following the completion of the CBI's questioning, Chandrakar was taken into judicial custody. The ED subsequently arrested him on November 13 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and secured seven days of custody from a special court in Raipur, until November 19.

Chandrakar is among the principal accused in the alleged multi-crore betting syndicate. He and his business partner Ravi Uppal are accused of building and operating the network from overseas.

Uppal, another alleged mastermind of the operation, was arrested in Dubai earlier this month. Indian investigative agencies are pursuing his extradition so that he can be brought back to face investigation in India.

Probe into other accused and public servants continues

The CBI said its investigation is continuing into the roles of other accused, including those based abroad, individuals who allegedly facilitated the betting operations and public servants suspected of involvement.

The agency is also taking steps to secure the extradition of other accused who remain absconding.

The Mahadev Online Book platform allegedly operated through a franchise-based network of betting panels across India, with its promoters controlling the larger operation from abroad. Investigators are examining the financial trail, the use of mule accounts and hawala channels, and the alleged involvement of individuals who helped the network function.