CBI cracks down on Mahadev betting network, raids 33 locations across six states
New Delhi, November 14: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at 33 locations in six states against the illegal betting network of the Mahadev online book app. Active betting and gambling panels were found operating during the raids, which were shut down over the past few days.
During the searches, digital devices, mobile phones, and incriminating documents related to the use of mule bank accounts and hawala networks were seized.
The CBI has warned the public that online betting and gambling are illegal. It is also a criminal offense to provide or rent one’s bank account, SIM card, or identity documents to another person for such activities. Doing so could result in prosecution of the account holder.
According to the CBI, the action was based on information obtained during the interrogation of Saurabh Chandrakar, one of the main promoters of the Mahadev app and the main accused. Chandrakar was arrested on November 1 after being extradited from Oman. A special CBI court in Raipur remanded him to eight days of police custody. The interrogation revealed crucial information about the platform’s operations and its network of panel operators in India.
The CBI conducted searches in Amritsar, Delhi, Nagaur, Dholpur, Bhopal, Raipur, Durg, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, and Nagpur. The investigating agency stated that Chandrakar was also questioned regarding digital and documentary evidence recovered during the searches.
After the expiry of his police custody, Chandrakar was produced before a special CBI court in Raipur on November 12. The court remanded him to judicial custody until November 19.
The CBI stated that two FIRs were registered in connection with Mahadev Online Book after the case was transferred from the Chhattisgarh government. The investigation so far has revealed that the platform operates from its head office abroad and operates through a large network of panel operators in India. These operators handle customer IDs and deposit betting proceeds into bank accounts specially opened or rented in the names of others. The profits are then remitted abroad through hawala.
The investigating agency is also investigating the role of other accused involved in this illegal activity, including those abroad, individuals who facilitated the network, and related public servants. Action is also being taken to extradite the absconding accused.
