Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind behind the Mahadev betting app syndicate, has been detained in Oman as Indian authorities seek his extradition.
New Delhi, India Jul 9, 2026 ALN: Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind behind the Mahadev betting app syndicate, has been detained in Oman, marking a significant development in one of India's largest illegal betting and money laundering investigations. Indian authorities are currently pursuing his extradition or deportation to face charges in India.
According to reports from the Press Trust of India , Chandrakar, a resident of Chhattisgarh, was apprehended by the Royal Oman Police a few weeks ago. His detention stems from an Interpol Red Notice issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and state law enforcement agencies in India. This notice is a crucial tool used by Interpol to alert member countries about individuals wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence based on a valid arrest warrant.
The ED has alleged that the Mahadev betting app case involves proceeds of crime amounting to approximately ₹6,000 crore (around $720 million). The investigation has uncovered links to several senior politicians and bureaucrats from Chhattisgarh, raising concerns about the extent of corruption and the influence of illegal betting operations within political circles.
Investigators revealed that Chandrakar had been using a passport issued by a Southeast Asian country to evade Indian authorities. Prior to his detention in Oman, Indian agencies had tracked him to Dubai, where he was detained by UAE authorities in 2024 but was subsequently released. This sequence of events highlights the challenges faced by Indian law enforcement in pursuing suspects who operate across international borders.
In a related development, Ravi Uppal, co-founder of the Mahadev betting app, reportedly fled from Dubai to Vanuatu, further complicating the investigation. Vanuatu is known for its lenient banking regulations and has often been associated with money laundering activities, making it a potential safe haven for individuals involved in financial crimes.
Citing the strong bilateral ties between India and Oman, officials expressed confidence in the likelihood of Chandrakar's extradition or deportation. This cooperation is vital, as it underscores the collaborative efforts between countries to combat transnational crime, particularly in cases involving financial fraud and illegal betting.
Chandrakar's journey into the world of illegal betting began modestly. In 2019, he relocated to Dubai, leaving behind his life in India where he operated a juice shop named ‘Juice Factory’ with his brother in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. The transition from a small business owner to an alleged kingpin in an international betting syndicate illustrates the drastic shifts some individuals make in pursuit of wealth and influence.
The recent detention of Chandrakar follows months of aggressive action by the ED in the Mahadev betting case. The agency has attached properties worth ₹1,700 crore belonging to Chandrakar and entities linked to him in Dubai and New Delhi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The scale of the assets involved is staggering, including 18 luxury properties in Dubai—among them villas and apartments in prestigious locations such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hills Estate, Business Bay, and SLS Hotel & Residences. Additionally, two properties in Delhi have also been sealed as part of the investigation.
The ED alleges that these assets were acquired using proceeds from illegal betting operations, which were managed through a complex network of entities controlled by Chandrakar and his associates, including Vikas Chhaparia, Rohit Gulati, Atul Arora, Nitin Tibrewal, and Surendra Bagri. With the latest round of asset attachments, the total value of assets frozen or seized in this case has escalated to approximately ₹4,336 crore, highlighting the extensive financial operations underpinning the Mahadev betting syndicate.
Interestingly, it was Chandrakar's lavish wedding in the UAE in 2023 that initially drew the attention of the ED, leading to the investigation into the Mahadev betting app syndicate. Such extravagant displays of wealth can often raise red flags for authorities, particularly when they are inconsistent with an individual's declared income or financial status.
According to the ED, the Mahadev Book operated as an international online betting syndicate through various platforms, including Tiger Exchange, Gold365, and Laser247. This network was allegedly run from Dubai using a franchise-based model, with operators spread across India. The operational structure allowed for a significant retention of profits by the promoters, who reportedly kept 70-75% of the revenue generated, while the remaining income was distributed among the operators.
The illicit funds were reportedly funneled through mule and dummy bank accounts before being transferred abroad via hawala channels, cryptocurrency transactions, and layered financial structures. These methods are commonly employed in money laundering schemes to obfuscate the origins of the money and make it appear legitimate. The funds were then invested in high-value assets both in India and the UAE, further complicating the tracing of these financial flows.
The ED has conducted extensive searches at more than 175 locations across the country in connection with this case. To date, 13 individuals have been arrested, and 74 others have been named as accused in five prosecution complaints. The agency has also filed applications under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, seeking to declare Chandrakar, Uppal, and several of their associates as fugitive economic offenders. This legal designation allows for the confiscation of properties and assets of individuals who flee from justice.
The Mahadev Book case has garnered significant attention, not only because of the scale of the alleged operations but also due to its implications for political accountability in India. The investigation has extended to properties linked to prominent figures such as Nishant Pitti, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, who has denied any wrongdoing, as well as former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. This intersection of politics and alleged criminal activity raises critical questions about the integrity of political systems and the potential for corruption at high levels.
As the investigation unfolds, it is likely to have far-reaching implications for India's regulatory frameworks surrounding online betting and gambling. With the rise of digital platforms for betting, there is an urgent need for comprehensive laws and regulations to address the challenges posed by illegal betting syndicates. The Mahadev betting case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in combating financial crime in an increasingly interconnected world.
In conclusion, the detention of Sourabh Chandrakar in Oman is a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against illegal betting and money laundering in India. As authorities work to secure his extradition and continue their investigations, the case will undoubtedly remain in the public eye, prompting discussions about the need for stronger oversight and accountability in both the financial and political arenas.
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