The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced Sunday that it has secured the extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the massive Mahadev Online Book illegal betting syndicate. Chandrakar was brought back to India from Oman by a specially deputed CBI team.
He is scheduled to appear before a special CBI court in Raipur on Monday, November 2. The agency confirmed that the extradition was a collaborative effort involving various central agencies and authorities in Oman.
Charges Against Chandrakar
Sourabh Chandrakar faces charges in two CBI cases where chargesheets have already been filed. Additionally, he is a key accused in a case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has also filed a prosecution complaint against him. The CBI emphasized that this extradition marks a significant step in India's ongoing efforts to repatriate fugitives operating transnational criminal enterprises.
How the Mahadev Betting Syndicate Operated
The CBI took over the investigation into the Mahadev Online Book cases at the request of the Chhattisgarh government. Investigations have revealed that the syndicate was one of India's largest illegal online betting operations, primarily run from outside the country.
- Illegal Services: The syndicate allegedly offered illicit betting on various events, including cricket, football, and card games.
- Network Structure: It operated through a vast network of franchised 'panels' and 'branches' across India, responsible for enrolling users and collecting betting stakes.
- Financial Laundering: The CBI uncovered a complex financial network where proceeds from illegal betting were routed through numerous 'mule' bank accounts, layered through multiple transactions, and moved overseas via hawala channels.
- Alleged Corruption: A portion of these illicit funds was reportedly used to pay protection money to public servants, allowing the syndicate to operate without interference.
The agency has filed chargesheets under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, various sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery, and the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act. The ED has also attached multiple properties both in India and abroad linked to the alleged betting operations.
The Extradition Process
Chandrakar's capture and extradition followed the issuance of a Red Corner Notice against him. He was located and detained by the Royal Oman Police. Subsequently, the CBI and ED submitted formal extradition proposals to the Sultanate of Oman, providing substantial evidence against the accused.
The request was pursued through close coordination with Indian government agencies, the Interpol National Central Bureau, and relevant Omani authorities. After the extradition request received approval, a CBI team traveled to Muscat to escort Chandrakar back to India.