Indian officials are currently in the process of extraditing Sourabh Chandrakar, a key promoter of the Mahadev Online Book App and a central figure in a ₹6,000 crore betting scam, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Last week, Chandrakar was captured in the UAE after an Interpol red notice was issued. On Friday, sources close to the matter disclosed that the procedure to bring him back to India is in progress.
Coordination Between Agencies for Extradition
The extradition process involves the coordination of multiple agencies, such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Chhattisgarh Police. These agencies are currently preparing and submitting the required documentation to the Ministry of External Affairs in order to facilitate Chandrakar’s repatriation to India. An official extradition order was issued by a court in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on Thursday and has been sent to UAE authorities for their approval, as stated by an anonymous government official.
House Detention in Dubai
Chandrakar and his business associate Ravi Uppal were placed under house arrest in Dubai in December of last year. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) revealed that the Mahadev Online Book App’s operations were based in Dubai, where they established a franchising system. This system operated on a 70%-30% profit-sharing model between the app’s promoters and franchisees.
CBI’s Involvement and Former CM Baghel’s Alleged Link
In August, it was stated that the CBI had assumed responsibility for the inquiries into this large-scale betting scandal. They took over all First Information Reports (FIRs) that were filed by the Chhattisgarh Police, including one that accused former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. According to allegations put forward by the ED in November, Chandrakar and Uppal supposedly gave a bribe of ₹508 crore to Baghel.
The Mahadev Book App’s promoters are alleged by the ED to have bribed multiple police officers, administrative officials, and political leaders in order to evade law enforcement actions. It is suspected that this money was funneled through hawala operators, eventually reaching high-ranking police officers and influential political figures. In return, these officials purportedly misused their authority to shield the illicit betting operation and enrich themselves. Baghel was implicated in the FIR for allegedly profiting from this scheme.
However, Baghel has denied the accusations, asserting that these claims are part of a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his reputation.
Lavish Lifestyle of Chandrakar
Chandrakar’s situation is made more complex by new information about his extravagant way of life. The ED’s inquiry brought to light that Chandrakar organized an opulent wedding in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in February 2023. The celebration supposedly amounted to about ₹200 crore, with private jets arranged to transport his family members from India to the UAE. Furthermore, well-known celebrities were generously compensated for their performances at the wedding.
The scale of the Scam and Frozen Assets
The ED has estimated that the total amount involved in the scam is ₹6,000 crore. Assets worth ₹572.41 crore related to the case have already been frozen as part of the agency’s investigation. Two charge sheets have been filed by the ED, one of which is against both Chandrakar and Uppal. The case has garnered significant attention due to its large scale, alleged involvement of political figures, and the luxurious lifestyle maintained by the accused.
The Mahadev Online Book App scam is a significant case involving high-profile individuals, fraudulent business practices, and potential political corruption with multi-billion rupee implications. Chandrakar’s arrest is a crucial development in India’s efforts to combat illegal betting activities, and his extradition from the UAE will be a pivotal moment in the investigation.
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