Mahadev Betting App Racket: Sourabh Chandrakar Returns To India As Probe Into ₹6,000-Crore Syndicate Intensifies

The return of Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind behind the Mahadev Online Book betting racket, has brought the multi-crore case back into focus. Indian probe agencies secured his extradition from Oman on Sunday, marking a major development in the investigation into the illegal betting network.

Chandrakar was detained in Muscat in June. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had been pursuing his extradition since then. Following his return, agencies are now working with UAE authorities to bring back Ravi Uppal, the betting platform’s co-founder, who is reportedly based in Dubai.

The investigation has also pointed to alleged links between the betting syndicate and politicians and bureaucrats in Chhattisgarh.

What is the Mahadev Online Book betting racket?

According to the ED, the Mahadev Online Book (MOB) began operating illegally in 2019-20. The network allegedly facilitated bets on poker, card games, cricket, badminton, tennis, football and even election outcomes.

The platform reportedly expanded rapidly during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Chandrakar and Uppal, who started as small businessmen in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, allegedly moved to the UAE in 2019 and continued running the operation remotely.

Investigators said the promoters outsourced activities such as managing bank accounts, operating betting panels, advertising and transferring money through hawala channels to local partners. In return, these partners received a share of the profits, while the promoters retained control of the software, customers and finances from Dubai.

How large was the betting operation?

The ED's investigation revealed an extensive network operating through a franchise-like system. Betting panels were reportedly sold to individuals in a pyramid-style structure, with each panel having an owner and around four workers.

According to investigators, panel operators had to deposit ₹15 lakh as security for each panel. They were responsible for managing players, collecting bets and paying winnings.

The agency estimated that the network had at least 3,200 betting panels across India and the UAE, along with approximately 1,000 WhatsApp operators at its main call centre in the UAE.

Around 70-80 per cent of a panel's profits were reportedly shared with the Dubai-based head office. The ED estimated monthly earnings at approximately ₹950 crore.

The agency has also estimated that the proceeds linked to MOB and associated platforms could be worth around ₹94,000 crore. Of this, approximately ₹4,000-5,000 crore was allegedly transferred to the promoters.

Employees and operations in Dubai

Investigators said the promoters employed thousands of people, many of them young workers from Bhilai and nearby areas of Chhattisgarh.

The accused allegedly rented around 20 villas in Dubai to accommodate nearly 3,500 employees. A group of workers known as 'checkers' reportedly worked 12-hour shifts, monitoring panel accounts and identifying payment defaulters.

According to the ED, the employees lived in shared accommodation, with groceries and other necessities delivered to the villas. Investigators also recovered grocery bills linked to these properties.

Arrests and investigation so far

The ED has filed six chargesheets against 116 people in the case and arrested 14 individuals. The CBI is investigating two cases related to the betting operation and has also filed a chargesheet.

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has also been named as an accused in the CBI's FIR, although he has not been named in any of the chargesheets so far. The ED alleged in one of its chargesheets that Chandrakar and Uppal paid ₹508 crore in bribes to Baghel. Baghel has repeatedly denied the allegations.

The ED had also searched the residence of Baghel's adviser, Vinod Verma, in August 2023.

With Chandrakar back in India and the investigation continuing across borders, agencies are expected to focus on questioning the accused, tracing the alleged proceeds of the racket and pursuing the extradition of its remaining key figures.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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