14 November 2026, Ahmedabad
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 33 locations across six states over the past few days at premises linked to panel operators of the illegal online betting platform Mahadev Online Book App.
The search operations were carried out in Amritsar, Delhi, Nagaur, Dholpur, Bhopal, Raipur, Durg, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai and Nagpur.
The searches were conducted based on disclosures made by Saurabh Chandrakar, one of the platform’s main promoters and a key accused, following his extradition from Oman.
During the operations, live betting and gambling panels were found operating and subsequently dismantled. Digital devices, mobile phones and incriminating documents indicating the use of mule bank accounts and hawala networks were also recovered and seized.
Saurabh Chandrakar was extradited from Oman and arrested by the CBI on November 1, 2026. The Special Judge (CBI Cases), Raipur, had granted the CBI eight days of police custody for his interrogation.
During questioning, details emerged about the platform’s modus operandi and its network of panel operators across India. He was also confronted with documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation.
Following the transfer of the case from the Chhattisgarh State Government, the CBI registered two FIRs in connection with the Mahadev Online Book platform.
Investigations conducted so far have revealed that the platform is operated from an overseas head office and functions in India through an extensive network of panel operators. These operators manage customer IDs, collect betting money through bank accounts opened or rented in the names of other individuals, and transfer profits abroad through hawala channels.
After the completion of his police custody, Saurabh Chandrakar was produced before the Special Judge (CBI Cases), Raipur, on November 12, 2026. He was subsequently remanded to judicial custody until November 19, 2026.
The investigation is continuing into the roles of other accused persons based abroad, individuals facilitating the operations and concerned public servants. Steps are also being taken to secure the extradition of other absconding accused.
The CBI has cautioned the public that online betting and gambling are illegal. Lending or renting one’s bank account, SIM card or identity documents to others for such activities is also a criminal offence and may result in legal action against the account holder.
