Mahadev app syndicate promoter Sourabh Chandrakar extradited from Oman

The Central Bureau of Investigation has successfully secured the extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind and promoter of the Mahadev Online Book illegal betting syndicate, from the Sultanate of Oman. A specialized team travelled to Muscat to take custody of the accused and escorted him back to Indian soil.

The development marks a critical turn in investigations surrounding a massive ₹6,000-crore illicit betting and money laundering operation that targeted citizens across the country. Chandrakar is wanted in multiple criminal cases registered by federal agencies, including two separate matters investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation and proceedings initiated by the Enforcement Directorate.

Following arrival in India, the accused was subjected to mandatory medical evaluations and transit formalities. Law enforcement officials confirmed that he will be produced before a special court in Raipur on Monday. The investigation into the extensive syndicate was originally assumed by federal investigators upon a formal request from the government of Chhattisgarh.

According to findings detailed in chargesheets already filed by investigators, the syndicate functioned as one of the largest offshore gambling networks operating against India. The enterprise offered illegal wagering on cricket matches, football games, card matches, and other events through a distributed network of franchised panels and local branches.

Financial probes revealed that the substantial proceeds generated from unlawful betting activities were funneled through a multitude of mule bank accounts. These funds were subsequently layered across numerous complex transactions and routed out of the country through unauthorized hawala channels.

Further disclosures from the ongoing inquiry established that portions of the illicit capital were utilized to dispense protection money to various public servants. This mechanism allegedly allowed the transnational criminal enterprise to function without administrative interruption or law enforcement intervention.

Chargesheets filed in connection with the network invoke provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Indian Penal Code sections pertaining to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery, alongside the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act. Federal authorities stated that the formal return of the primary accused represents a major milestone in tracking down economic offenders who operate cross-border syndicates from foreign jurisdictions.