Mahadev App Promoter Chandrakar Arrested and Expected to be Extradited from the UAE Soon
The CBI has taken charge of all FIRs filed by the Chhattisgarh Police in the case, including one naming former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
Image Source: The New Indian Express
Indian authorities are processing the extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar, a key promoter of the Mahadev Online Book App, after his arrest in the UAE. Chandrakar, the main accused in a ₹6,000 crore betting scam, was detained last week following an Interpol red notice. Federal agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Chhattisgarh Police, are working with the external affairs ministry to expedite his extradition. A court in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, issued an extradition order, which is now being sent to UAE authorities.
Chandrakar and his business partner, Ravi Uppal, have been under “house detention” in Dubai since December last year. The ED’s investigation revealed that the Mahadev Online Book App operations were based in Dubai, with a 70%-30% profit-sharing model through franchises. In August, it was reported that the CBI also joined the investigation into the scam. The CBI took over all FIRs filed by the Chhattisgarh Police, including one naming former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
The ED has accused Chandrakar and Uppal of paying ₹508 crore in bribes to protect their illegal operations. They allegedly paid police officers, administrative officials, and political figures to prevent any action against them. The bribes were funneled through hawala operators to influential people, and officials misused their positions for personal gain. The FIR also names Baghel, who dismissed the charges as a political witch-hunt.
The ED has filed two charge sheets in the case, including one against Chandrakar and Uppal. They alleged Chandrakar spent ₹200 crore on his February 2023 wedding in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, hiring private jets for relatives and paying celebrities to perform. The projected proceeds of crime in the case amount to ₹6,000 crore, with ₹572.41 crore in assets frozen so far.
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- Freelance Journalist
- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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