The arrest of Sourabh Chandrakar, a prominent figure behind the Mahadev Betting App, in Dubai has sparked a swift response from the Indian government. Ram Gopal Garg, Inspector General of Police (Durg Range), has confirmed that the government is working to expedite his extradition back to India. Chandrakar, considered the alleged kingpin of the Mahadev betting app scam, was apprehended following a Red Corner Notice issued by the Enforcement Directorate last year.
The police official assured the public that the extradition process is in motion and that Chandrakar will soon be returned to India. He faces numerous charges, including those related to online gambling. Indian authorities have been in constant communication with their counterparts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding this case. The UAE authorities officially informed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) about Chandrakar’s arrest on Thursday.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently finalizing the documentation required for extradition, which will be submitted to the UAE authorities in the coming days. This crucial step will pave the way for Chandrakar’s return to India, where he is expected to face legal proceedings.
In December of last year, Chandrakar was placed under house arrest in Dubai. Indian investigative agencies, including the ED, were immediately alerted and have been actively engaged in diplomatic channels to secure his deportation or extradition. His presence in India is deemed crucial to the money laundering investigation, particularly regarding the illicit activities of the ‘Mahadev Book Online’ app, which has been linked to political figures in Chhattisgarh and other regions.
The ED’s initial charge sheet, submitted to a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur, named Sourabh Chandrakar, Uppal, and several others. The charge sheet included a statement from Dilip Chandrakar, Sourabh’s uncle, detailing Sourabh’s background. Before relocating to Dubai in 2019, Sourabh ran a juice shop called ‘Juice Factory’ with his brother in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh.
The ED has also alleged that Sourabh married in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in February 2023, with an estimated ₹200 crore spent on the wedding. This lavish affair involved hiring private jets for relatives from India and engaging celebrities for performances. The ED estimates that the projected proceeds of crime in this case amount to approximately ₹6,000 crore.
According to the ED’s investigation, the Mahadev Online Book App is centrally managed from headquarters in the UAE. It operates by granting franchises to associates, known as ‘panels and branches,’ and sharing profits in a 70-30% ratio. The case continues to develop as authorities work to bring Chandrakar back to India to face justice.
