Saurabh Chandrakar Returns to India Amid Major Betting Scandal Investigation
Major Breakthrough in Online Betting Investigation
The investigation into a massive online betting racket linked to the Mahadev app has achieved a significant milestone, with authorities uncovering a scheme involving approximately ₹6,000 crores. The main suspect and alleged mastermind, Saurabh Chandrakar, was repatriated to India from Oman on Sunday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had been working for an extended period to facilitate his return. Following his detention in Muscat in June, efforts to expedite his extradition were intensified.
Focus Shifts to Co-Founder Ravi Uppal
With Chandrakar back in India, investigative agencies are now concentrating on bringing Ravi Uppal, the other co-founder of the Mahadev app, from Dubai. Discussions regarding his extradition are ongoing with officials from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the agencies, the entire betting network was managed from abroad, with connections extending to several states in India.
Understanding the Mahadev Online Betting Network
As per the ED's investigation, the Mahadev Online Book (MOB) allegedly commenced its illegal operations during the 2019-20 period. The platform facilitated betting on various sports, including cricket, football, tennis, and badminton, as well as poker and other card games. Betting on election results was also reportedly an option for users.
The agency noted that the number of users surged during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, leading to the rapid expansion of its network. Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, who began as small-time operators in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, scaled their operations significantly.
Franchise Model of Betting Operations
The betting operations were structured like a pyramid scheme, with different betting panels offered as franchises to various individuals. Each panel had a manager and typically employed four staff members. To acquire a panel, an upfront deposit of around ₹15 lakhs was required. A single individual could manage multiple panels, and the panel managers were responsible for client interactions, collecting bets, and paying out winnings.
Massive Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
The ED estimates that at least 3,200 betting panels were active across India and the UAE, with around 1,000 WhatsApp operators working from a central call center in Dubai. The agency claims that approximately 70-80% of each panel's profits were funneled back to the main office, with the network's estimated monthly earnings around ₹950 crores.
Investigation Reveals Extensive Operations
The investigation has revealed that thousands of employees worked at the Dubai headquarters, many of whom were young individuals from Bhilai and surrounding districts. The accused reportedly rented around 20 villas in Dubai to accommodate employees, with approximately 3,500 staff members residing there. Some employees, referred to as 'checkers,' were tasked with monitoring panel accounts and identifying payment discrepancies.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests
So far, the ED has filed six charges against 116 individuals in connection with the Mahadev betting app case, with 14 arrests made. Meanwhile, the CBI is investigating two cases linked to the Mahadev Online Book and has already filed charges in one case.
Bhupesh Baghel's Name Surfaces in Investigation
The name of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has also emerged in the investigation. The CBI has named him as an accused in the FIR related to this case. However, as per available information, he has not yet been included in any charge sheet as an accused.
The ED has claimed in one of its charge sheets that Chandrakar and Uppal allegedly paid Baghel ₹508 crores in bribes. The agency conducted searches at the residence of Baghel's advisor, Vinod Verma, in August 2023.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Actions
Despite the serious allegations, Baghel has consistently denied all accusations. The investigation is ongoing, and the confirmation of the allegations will depend on judicial proceedings. The return of Saurabh Chandrakar is considered a crucial development in the investigation, with agencies now focusing on bringing Ravi Uppal back to India to further probe the operations and financial transactions associated with the alleged betting network.