Co-promoter of Mahadev betting app reportedly detained in Dubai

Indian law enforcement agencies have learned through informal channels that Ravi Uppal, who helped launch the Mahadev online betting application, was taken into custody in Dubai. The development comes days after Saurabh Chandrakar, another key figure in the alleged betting syndicate, was extradited from Oman to India.

The Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation are now working to secure Uppal's transfer to India for further questioning. If confirmed, his arrest would represent a notable step in the probe of a purported multi-crore illegal betting network that operated from Dubai and used a franchise-based model across India.

Uppal and Chandrakar are accused of running the platform through a network of betting panels that collected wagers and moved proceeds via numerous bank accounts, hawala operators and offshore entities. The agencies are also examining alleged money-laundering activities and the use of shell companies to conceal earnings.

"We are coordinating with the relevant authorities to facilitate his return and continue our investigation into the financial mechanisms of the syndicate," a spokesperson for the Enforcement Directorate said.

Chandrakar, wanted in two CBI cases and a separate money-laundering probe, is already back in India. Investigators expect that Uppal's detention will provide additional leads to map the syndicate's financial flows and identify other participants.