The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with other central agencies, has extradited Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind behind the ₹6,000-crore Mahadev online betting syndicate, from Oman to India. Chandrakar, who was wanted by multiple investigating agencies, was brought back by a specially deputed CBI team and will be produced before a special CBI court in Raipur.
Announcing the development on Sunday, a CBI spokesperson said the agency had successfully secured Chandrakar’s extradition from the Sultanate of Oman. The operation involved coordination between Indian investigative agencies, Interpol and Omani authorities.
The extradition marks a significant development in the investigation into the Mahadev betting network, which has been accused of operating an extensive illegal online gambling syndicate across India.
Credits: WION
How Chandrakar Was Tracked Down In Oman
Chandrakar, who is in his 30s, was wanted by the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Chhattisgarh Police in connection with the alleged betting racket. He established the Mahadev betting network alongside co-founder Ravi Uppal, with both promoters reportedly relocating to Dubai around 2019.
According to the ED’s investigation, the network continued operating betting applications and websites from the UAE despite the action initiated by Indian authorities.
An Interpol Red Notice had been issued against Chandrakar, leading to his detention by UAE authorities in October 2024. He was subsequently placed under house arrest. India also submitted an extradition request that month, but the proceedings were not completed, rendering the request infructuous.
Chandrakar later reportedly moved from the UAE to Oman. Acting on the Interpol Red Notice, the Royal Oman Police located him in Muscat and detained him in late June.
Following his detention, the CBI and ED submitted formal extradition proposals to Oman, accompanied by evidence collected during their investigations. The requests were pursued through coordination with the Indian government’s agencies, Interpol’s National Central Bureau and the competent Omani authorities.
After extradition was granted, a CBI team travelled to Muscat and escorted Chandrakar back to India.
Political Connections And Alleged Bribery
Investigators believe Chandrakar’s interrogation could provide important leads about the alleged financial and political connections of the Mahadev betting syndicate.
An investigating officer said several public servants, including police officers and politicians allegedly bribed by the promoters, are under scrutiny. The CBI has also named former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel in the case.
The ED had alleged in one of its charge sheets that Chandrakar and Uppal paid bribes amounting to ₹508 crore to Baghel. These are allegations made by the investigating agency and remain subject to legal proceedings.
The CBI has also alleged that the Mahadev App’s operations in Chhattisgarh were facilitated through the active support and alleged connivance of local police personnel and politicians. According to the agency, bureaucrats and politically exposed persons allegedly received illegal payments in exchange for allowing the betting operations to continue.
Credits: Nation Path India
Ravi Uppal’s Whereabouts And The Ongoing Investigation
Chandrakar’s extradition also brings renewed attention to his co-founder Ravi Uppal, whose whereabouts remain uncertain.
A report published on November 4, 2025, stated that Uppal had gone missing from the UAE after authorities there decided to close extradition proceedings against him. Both promoters had been under investigation for their alleged roles in running the betting network.
Despite government action against multiple platforms and applications associated with Mahadev, officials believe illegal betting operations linked to the network continue across India.
The CBI has described the case as an example of transnational organised crime requiring cooperation between international law enforcement agencies. The agency also acknowledged the assistance provided by the Omani government and the Royal Oman Police in securing Chandrakar’s extradition.
His return is expected to advance the investigation into the alleged betting operations, financial transactions and suspected payments to public officials. His appearance before the special CBI court in Raipur will mark the next stage of the legal proceedings against the Mahadev syndicate’s alleged promoter.
