Saurabh Chandrakar Granted 8-Day CBI Custody in Mahadev Online Betting Case
Saurabh Chandrakar's Legal Troubles Intensify
Raipur: The legal challenges for Saurabh Chandrakar, the alleged main accused and promoter of the Mahadev online betting app, are escalating. After being brought back to India, he was presented in a special CBI court on Tuesday. Following a lengthy hearing, the court granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) an eight-day remand for questioning. Although the agency requested a ten-day custody, the court approved only eight days. Chandrakar will now be taken to the CBI headquarters in Delhi for interrogation regarding alleged financial irregularities and fraud amounting to approximately ₹6,000 crores linked to the Mahadev online betting network. Security was heightened at the court premises during his appearance, with a significant number of security personnel deployed.
CBI Seeks Extended Custody
After presenting Chandrakar in court, the CBI cited the need for further investigation and requested to hold him for ten days. The agency indicated that several critical aspects of the case still required examination. However, after hearing arguments from both sides, the court approved an eight-day remand. During this period, the CBI team will interrogate Chandrakar at their Delhi headquarters, focusing on the operations of the Mahadev betting app, its network, and the alleged transactions involving thousands of crores.
Notably, Chandrakar was brought back to India from Oman on Sunday after the extradition process was completed. According to the CBI, he had been evading authorities since the investigation into the Mahadev online betting app began, residing outside the country. Reports suggest he had been attempting to avoid arrest while living in Dubai since 2023. An Interpol Red Corner Notice had also been issued against him. Allegedly, he used fake identification to escape to Oman from the UAE. However, he was apprehended in Oman after his identity was confirmed.
Extradition Process Completed After Arrest in Oman
To facilitate Chandrakar's return to India, the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) submitted a formal extradition request to the Omani government through the Indian government. During this process, Indian agencies shared relevant documents and evidence against the accused with Omani officials. Continuous coordination between various Indian agencies, Interpol's National Central Bureau, and Omani authorities led to the approval of the extradition.
According to the CBI, the Royal Police of Oman detained Chandrakar based on the Red Corner Notice issued against him. Subsequently, the CBI and ED presented the necessary documents for extradition to the Omani government. Following the evidence provided by Indian agencies and discussions between officials from both countries, arrangements were made for his return to India. After the extradition process was finalized, a special CBI team traveled to Oman and brought Chandrakar back to India on Sunday.
Key Interrogation in ₹6,000 Crore Fraud Investigation
The Mahadev online betting app case has been under scrutiny by investigative agencies for an extended period. The investigation focuses on the operations of online betting through the app, its associated network, and the alleged large-scale financial transactions involved. Agencies are currently examining aspects related to the alleged ₹6,000 crore fraud. Chandrakar is identified as the primary promoter and alleged kingpin of this network. His arrest and the subsequent eight-day CBI remand are considered crucial for the investigation.
During the interrogation at the Delhi headquarters, investigators will seek information regarding individuals associated with the app's operations, the alleged financial transactions, the network's expansion, and other related aspects. They will also attempt to uncover the roles of other individuals connected to this network and the methods used for the alleged financial transactions. The court has granted the CBI eight days of custody, during which the agency will conduct detailed questioning of the accused.