Sourabh Chandrakar Extradited to India in Mahadev Betting Case

Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged kingpin of the Rs 6,000-crore Mahadev online betting app case, has been extradited from Oman to India. A team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) escorted him back, and he is scheduled to be presented in a special court in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on Monday.

Chandrakar was wanted in two cases filed by the CBI and one by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), with chargesheets already submitted. According to a CBI spokesperson, he was detained by the Royal Oman Police based on a Red Corner Notice issued against him. Following his detention, the CBI and ED promptly submitted formal extradition requests to Oman, supported by evidence against Chandrakar.

The spokesperson emphasized that this extradition is a significant step in India's efforts to bring back fugitives involved in transnational criminal activities targeting Indian citizens. The Mahadev Online Book was identified as one of the largest illegal betting syndicates in India, operating from abroad and offering betting on various sports and events through a network of franchises across the country.

Investigations revealed that the syndicate generated illicit funds through illegal betting, which were funneled through numerous mule accounts and transferred abroad via hawala channels. Additionally, it was alleged that part of the proceeds was used to pay protection money to public officials, allowing the operation to continue without interference. The CBI has registered cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, while the ED has acted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, with several properties linked to the syndicate already attached.