Saurabh Chandrakar Arrested: Big Success for ED-CBI (Photo-Patrika)

Investigating agencies have secured a major breakthrough in Chhattisgarh's high-profile Mahadev online betting app scam. Saurabh Chandrakar, the main accused who had been a fugitive for a long time, has been arrested in Oman.

According to media reports, the action was carried out on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice. Following the arrest, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have expedited extradition proceedings to bring him back to India. He is currently in Omani custody, and is expected to be brought to India once local legal proceedings there are completed.

Reached Oman on a Fake Passport

According to available information, Chandrakar allegedly entered Oman using a forged Indonesian passport. He was detained by local security agencies in connection with this matter and is currently being held at a high-security detention center in Muscat, where legal proceedings against him are ongoing.

Cornered by Interpol's Red Notice

Chandrakar had an Interpol Red Notice against him. He had applied to have the notice removed, but the relevant Interpol committee rejected his appeal, ruling that the case was tied to economic offences, money laundering, and illegal financial activity rather than any political dispute. As a result, the Red Notice remained in effect, paving the way for his arrest.

Extradition Process Begins

Following the arrest, the Indian government has initiated formal extradition proceedings. However, legal experts believe he can only be sent to India once the case related to the fake passport is resolved in Oman, meaning the extradition process could take some time.

Investigation into a Multi-Thousand-Crore Scam Continues

The ED, CBI, and other agencies continue to probe the Mahadev online betting scam, which investigators say involves illegal online betting, hawala networks, money laundering, and large-scale financial transactions. Several accused have already been arrested, and assets worth more than ₹4,336 crore have been attached or frozen so far.

A Potential Turning Point in the Investigation

Chandrakar's arrest is being seen as a significant success in the broader Mahadev betting app case. Agencies hope that questioning him after his return to India could lead to new revelations about the hawala network, financial dealings, foreign connections, and the wider syndicate involved.