NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 33 locations across six states in connection with the alleged illegal online betting operations of the Mahadev Online Book platform. The operation, carried out over the past few days, resulted in the dismantling of several active betting and gambling panels and the seizure of digital devices, mobile phones and documents.
The searches were conducted following disclosures made by Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the principal promoters of the platform, after his extradition from Oman to India on November 1. His interrogation reportedly provided investigators with information about the platform’s operations and its network of panel operators across the country.
The development marks a significant step in the investigation into an alleged illegal betting network that has drawn attention to cross-border financial transactions, digital fraud and the use of unauthorised banking channels.
CBI searches multiple cities across India
According to the CBI, the searches targeted premises associated with panel operators who allegedly facilitated betting activities through the Mahadev Online Book platform.
The locations included Delhi, Amritsar, Nagaur, Dholpur, Bhopal, Raipur, Durg, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai and Nagpur.
During the operation, investigators reportedly discovered live betting and gambling panels operating at several locations. These panels were subsequently dismantled.
The agency also recovered digital evidence, including mobile phones and documents that allegedly indicated the use of mule bank accounts and hawala networks for handling and transferring money generated through betting activities.
The investigation is examining how these networks operated, how betting proceeds were collected and how the money was allegedly transferred outside India.
How did the alleged betting network operate?
According to the CBI’s investigation, the Mahadev Online Book platform was being operated from abroad through a head office in Dubai, while its activities within India were managed through an extensive network of panel operators.
These operators allegedly created customer IDs, facilitated betting transactions and collected money through bank accounts opened or rented in the names of other individuals.
Investigators suspect that these accounts were used to conceal the identities of the actual operators and beneficiaries. The proceeds generated through betting activities were allegedly transferred abroad through hawala channels.
The use of mule accounts and informal financial networks has become an important part of the investigation, as agencies attempt to trace the movement of funds and identify individuals involved in facilitating the operations.
The CBI is also examining the possible involvement of other accused persons, including individuals based overseas, financial intermediaries and public servants who may have facilitated the alleged network.
Sourabh Chandrakar extradited from Oman; ED makes arrest
Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the principal promoters of the Mahadev Online Book platform, was extradited from Oman and arrested by the CBI on November 1.
Following his arrest, the agency questioned him between November 2 and November 12. During interrogation, he was reportedly confronted with documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation.
After the completion of his initial police custody, Chandrakar was produced before a special CBI court in Raipur on November 12. The court subsequently remanded him to judicial custody until November 19.
In a parallel development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Chandrakar on November 13 in connection with its money-laundering investigation into the case. The agency secured seven days of custody from the special court to question him further.
The ED is investigating the alleged generation and movement of proceeds through the betting platform and associated financial networks.
What is the Mahadev Online Book case?
The Mahadev Online Book case concerns an alleged illegal online betting syndicate that operated through a network of websites and betting panels.
The platform allegedly facilitated betting on cricket, football, card games and other events. Investigating agencies have been examining its financial structure, the role of its promoters and the alleged involvement of individuals who helped operate its network in India.
The case attracted wider attention after allegations emerged about large-scale financial transactions, suspected money laundering and the involvement of influential individuals.
The CBI has registered two cases relating to the Mahadev Online Book platform following the transfer of the investigation from the Chhattisgarh government.
The agency has also stated that efforts are underway to secure the extradition of other accused persons who are currently outside India.
The latest searches across six states indicate that the investigation is expanding beyond the platform’s principal promoters to include its ground-level operators and financial intermediaries.
The CBI has cautioned members of the public against participating in illegal online betting activities. It has also warned that lending or renting bank accounts, SIM cards or identity documents to facilitate such operations can expose individuals to criminal prosecution.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the accused will be subject to judicial proceedings.
