Kumar Bahukhandi
Saurabh Chandrakar (centre), an accused in the Mahadev betting app case, with officials following his extradition from Oman to India on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Photo: Arrangements (Source-CBI)
Alleged promoter extradited to India; production before a special CBI court in Raipur scheduled for November 2
Key Highlights
- A specially deputed CBI team escorts Chandrakar to India from Muscat.
- He is wanted in two CBI cases and a separate Enforcement Directorate case.
- Royal Oman Police detained him following an Interpol Red Corner Notice.
- Investigators allege the betting network used mule accounts and hawala channels to move proceeds.
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation has secured the extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar, an alleged principal operator and promoter of the Mahadev Online Book betting network, from Oman, bringing a key accused back to India to face criminal proceedings.
A specially deputed CBI team travelled to Muscat and escorted Chandrakar back on Sunday, November 1, according to reports citing the agency. His production before the special CBI court in Raipur is scheduled for Monday, November 2, following a medical examination and the necessary transit-remand proceedings.
Coordinated Effort to Secure Extradition
The extradition followed coordination between the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, other Indian agencies and authorities in Oman.
According to the CBI’s account, the Royal Oman Police located and detained Chandrakar on the basis of an Interpol Red Corner Notice. Indian investigators subsequently submitted formal extradition proposals supported by evidence gathered during their inquiries.
The request was pursued through cooperation involving Indian government agencies, the Interpol National Central Bureau and the competent authorities in Oman. Once extradition was approved, the CBI team travelled to bring him back.
The agency acknowledged assistance from the Omani government and Royal Oman Police in completing the process.
Raipur Court Proceedings Next
Chandrakar is wanted in two CBI cases in which chargesheets have already been filed. He also faces proceedings in an Enforcement Directorate case in which a prosecution complaint has been submitted.
Describing the next procedural steps, a CBI spokesperson said:
“Following his extradition, he is to be medically examined and taken to Raipur after a transit remand is obtained.”
His return places one of the central accused in the Mahadev investigation within the reach of Indian courts. The allegations against him remain subject to judicial determination.
Alleged Betting Network Operated from Abroad
Investigators allege that Mahadev Online Book operated an extensive illegal betting network from outside India, offering wagers on cricket, football, card games and other events.
According to the agency’s findings reported by NDTV, the operation relied on franchised “panels” and “branches” across the country. These units allegedly enrolled customers and collected betting stakes.
The investigation further alleges that proceeds were channelled through numerous mule bank accounts, passed through multiple transactions and transferred overseas through hawala networks. A portion of the money was allegedly used to make protection payments to public servants, enabling the network to continue operating.
CBI Probe Followed State Government Request
The CBI took over the investigation following a request from the Chhattisgarh government.
The agency has filed chargesheets invoking the Prevention of Corruption Act, provisions of the Indian Penal Code concerning criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery, and the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act.
Chandrakar is among the principal accused named in those chargesheets. Separately, the Enforcement Directorate has attached properties in India and overseas in connection with its investigation into the alleged proceeds of crime.
A Significant Development in the Investigation
The extradition marks a substantial development in efforts to bring back an accused alleged to have managed operations across national borders.
With Chandrakar now in India, the immediate focus shifts to his scheduled appearance in Raipur and subsequent court directions. The proceedings will address the cases already brought by the investigating agencies, including allegations concerning the betting operation, its financial transactions and associated corruption.
