Mahadev Betting App Promoter Sourabh Chandrakar Detained in Oman

Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind behind the Mahadev betting app syndicate, has been detained in Oman, with Indian authorities seeking his extradition or deportation. Chandrakar, a resident of Chhattisgarh, had been on the run.

The detention was carried out by the Royal Oman Police based on an Interpol Red Notice issued by India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the state police. The ED has alleged that the Mahadev betting case involves proceeds of crime worth approximately ₹6,000 crore (around $720 million USD) and has links to several senior politicians and bureaucrats in Chhattisgarh.

According to investigators, Chandrakar was using a passport issued by a Southeast Asian country to evade Indian authorities. He had previously been tracked to Dubai, where he was detained by UAE authorities in 2024 but later released. Mahadev app co-founder Ravi Uppal subsequently fled Dubai for Vanuatu.

Citing strong bilateral ties between India and Oman, officials are confident of Chandrakar's extradition or deportation to India. Before leaving India, Chandrakar operated a juice shop named 'Juice Factory' with his brother in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh.

The ED had previously attached properties worth over ₹1,700 crore (around $204 million USD) in Dubai and New Delhi linked to Chandrakar and his network. The attached assets included luxury properties in Dubai, including in the Burj Khalifa. The case has become one of India's largest alleged illegal betting and money laundering investigations.