Sourabh Chandrakar, a key promoter of the controversial Mahadev Online Book App, has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following an Interpol red notice. Indian authorities are now expediting the process for his extradition in connection with an alleged ₹6,000 crore betting scam, sources familiar with the matter revealed on Friday.
Chandrakar’s arrest in the UAE last week has raised significant interest, as he is considered one of the main accused in a case that has drawn the attention of multiple Indian federal agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Chhattisgarh Police. These agencies have been investigating the alleged scam, which involves extensive online betting operations.
According to officials, the Indian government is processing extradition documents through the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate Chandrakar’s return to India. A court in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, issued an extradition order on Thursday, which is now being forwarded to the UAE authorities.
Reports indicate that both Chandrakar and his business partner, Ravi Uppal, were placed under “house detention” in Dubai as early as December of last year. The ED has highlighted that the Mahadev Online Book App was operating primarily from Dubai, utilizing a franchise model that reportedly allowed for a profit-sharing ratio of 70% to 30%.
The Mahadev App has been under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in facilitating illegal betting activities, raising concerns among Indian authorities about its impact on public order and the financial system. With Chandrakar’s potential extradition on the horizon, authorities are poised to intensify their investigation into the broader network linked to the app and its operations.
As developments unfold, the scrutiny of online betting and associated legal frameworks in India is expected to gain further momentum, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing such complex digital frauds.
