Mahadev App kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar extradited from Oman by CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), working alongside other Central agencies, has successfully extradited Sourabh Chandrakar—the alleged kingpin behind the Mahadev App online betting network—from Oman. A specialised CBI team took Chandrakar into custody in Muscat and brought him back to India. After completing medical checks and obtaining a transit remand, he will be produced before a Special CBI Judge in Raipur.

Chandrakar faces charges in two CBI cases and an Enforcement Directorate (ED) case, where prosecution complaints have been filed and various domestic and international assets attached. The CBI initiated the probe following a formal request from the Chhattisgarh government.

Investigations revealed that the Mahadev syndicate ran a massive illegal online gambling operation from foreign soil, facilitating bets on sports and card games via a network of franchised panels. The illicit revenue was routed through mule bank accounts, laundered overseas using hawala channels, and used to bribe public officials to shield operations from law enforcement. Consequently, chargesheets have been filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, relevant Indian Penal Code sections for cheating and conspiracy, and state anti-gambling laws.

Chandrakar was originally detained by Omani authorities following an Interpol Red Corner Notice. The extradition was finalised after Indian agencies submitted formal proposals and supporting evidence. The CBI credited the Royal Oman Police and the Omani government for their assistance, highlighting the operation as a major success in holding international fugitives accountable. (With inputs from Agencies)