In a major breakthrough in the Mahadev Online Book investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured the extradition of alleged betting syndicate promoter Saurabh Chandrakar from Oman. The move follows coordinated efforts involving Interpol, the Royal Oman Police and Indian investigative agencies.
Khabar 365 News Network
RAIPUR, Nov. 1: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully extradited alleged Mahadev Online Book promoter Saurabh Chandrakar from the Sultanate of Oman, marking a significant development in the investigation into one of India’s largest alleged illegal online betting syndicates.
According to the CBI, Chandrakar was located and detained by the Royal Oman Police on the basis of a Red Corner Notice issued against him. Following his detention, the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) submitted formal extradition proposals to Omani authorities along with the evidence collected during the investigation.
After approval of the extradition request, a specially deputed CBI team travelled to Muscat and escorted Chandrakar back to India. He is expected to be produced before the CBI Special Court in Raipur following necessary legal procedures and transit formalities.
The investigating agency said Chandrakar is wanted in two CBI cases in which chargesheets have already been filed. He is also an accused in a separate Enforcement Directorate case, where a prosecution complaint has been submitted.
The Mahadev Online Book investigation was taken over by the CBI at the request of the Chhattisgarh government. The agency’s probe found that the betting platform allegedly operated as a large illegal online betting network from outside India. Investigators allege that the syndicate offered betting on cricket, football, card games and other events through a network of franchised panels and branches spread across the country.
According to the investigation, betting proceeds were allegedly routed through mule bank accounts, layered through multiple transactions and transferred abroad through hawala channels. The agency has also alleged that portions of the proceeds were used to provide protection payments that enabled the syndicate to continue operations without interference.
The CBI described the extradition as a significant milestone in India’s efforts to bring back fugitives involved in transnational criminal enterprises and ensure that they face due legal process in the country.
365 Takeaway
The extradition of Saurabh Chandrakar is the biggest development in the Mahadev Online Book investigation in recent months. With one of the key accused now back in India, investigators are expected to intensify efforts to trace financial trails, examine alleged international links and establish the full scale of the betting network.