New Delhi, November 2: In a major breakthrough in the investigation into the alleged multi-crore Mahadev Online Book betting racket, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully secured the extradition of Saurabh Chandrakar, identified as the alleged kingpin of the illegal online betting syndicate, from the Sultanate of Oman.
According to an official press release issued by the CBI on November 1, 2026, Chandrakar was brought back to India by a specially deputed CBI team that travelled to Oman following the approval of his extradition by the competent authorities.
He is wanted in two CBI cases in which chargesheets have already been filed, besides a separate Enforcement Directorate (ED) case in which a prosecution complaint has been submitted. He is expected to be produced before the CBI Special Court in Raipur.
The extradition is being viewed as a significant development in India’s efforts to bring back individuals accused of operating organised criminal networks from foreign jurisdictions and subject them to the country’s legal process.
The CBI had taken over the investigation into the Mahadev Online Book cases following a request from the Chhattisgarh Government. During the investigation, the agency uncovered what it described as one of the country’s largest illegal online betting operations, allegedly being run from outside India.
Investigators found that the betting platform facilitated wagers on cricket, football, card games and other events through an extensive network of franchise-based panels and branches operating across different parts of the country.
These networks allegedly enrolled users, collected betting stakes and facilitated the functioning of the illegal betting business through multiple channels.
The investigation further revealed that proceeds generated through the alleged betting operations were transferred using numerous mule bank accounts, routed through several layers of financial transactions and subsequently moved abroad through hawala channels.
The agencies also alleged that a portion of the proceeds was used to pay protection money to public servants to ensure that the betting network could continue its operations without interference.
The CBI has filed chargesheets under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and relevant provisions relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery, besides provisions of the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act.
Chandrakar has been named among the key accused in the chargesheets. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate has attached several properties in India and abroad allegedly linked to the betting syndicate.
His detention in Oman followed a Red Corner Notice issued against him. After his location was established, the Royal Oman Police detained him, following which the CBI and ED submitted formal extradition proposals to the Sultanate of Oman along with evidence collected during their investigations.
The extradition process was pursued in coordination with various agencies of the Government of India and the Interpol National Central Bureau, with assistance from the competent authorities in Oman.
The CBI acknowledged the cooperation extended by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Royal Oman Police, stating that their support reflected the strong bilateral relationship and shared commitment of both countries to combating transnational organised crime.
Following his return, Chandrakar will undergo a medical examination and be taken to Raipur after obtaining a transit remand. The agency states that he would be produced before the CBI Special Judge in Raipur for furt§legal proceedings.
