Who is Sourabh Chandrakar? From juice seller to ₹6,000 crore Mahadev betting scam
Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind behind the ₹6,000 crore Mahadev online betting scam, has been extradited from Oman to India. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed on Sunday, November 1, that a special team had brought him back following cooperation with Omani authorities. Chandrakar faces two CBI cases and a separate Enforcement Directorate (ED) money laundering case. He is scheduled to appear before a special CBI court in Raipur on Monday, November 2.
The case has attracted nationwide attention for its scale, alleged political connections and the way an online betting business reportedly operated across international borders. Investigators believe the Mahadev syndicate handled enormous amounts of money through illegal gambling, fake accounts and underground financial networks. Chandrakar’s return now gives Indian investigators an opportunity to question one of the operation’s principal accused.
VIDEO | Raipur: On the extradition of alleged kingpin in the Rs 6,000-crore Mahadev online betting app case, Sourabh Chandrakar, Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma says, “It was an old FIR. CBI has mentioned in its note that this is the largest illegal online betting syndicate, meaning it had become the largest in the country. And that is why, when he went and hid abroad, the case had to be transferred to the CBI.”
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/bIyFWTfmBd)
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 1, 2026
Who is Sourabh Chandrakar, the man behind Mahadev App?
Chandrakar comes from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh. Before becoming associated with the betting business, he reportedly ran a small juice shop. His rise from a local businessman to the alleged promoter of an international gambling network has become a major part of the Mahadev case.
According to the ED, Chandrakar and fellow Bhilai resident Ravi Uppal established the Mahadev Online Book operation, which investigators traced to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
What is Mahadev App and how did it operate?
Mahadev Online Book was an alleged illegal betting platform offering wagers on cricket, football, card games and other events.
Investigators say the operation followed a franchise-style business model. Local operators enrolled customers, collected money and managed betting accounts.
The ED alleged that these branches operated under a 70:30 profit-sharing arrangement with the main operators.
Money collected from betting was allegedly moved through accounts held in other people’s names before being transferred abroad through hawala networks, an informal system for transferring funds outside normal banking channels.
#WATCH | Delhi: Sourabh Chandrakar, the promoter of the Mahadev App is being produced before the Principal District and Sessions Judge at the Rouse Avenue Court. https://t.co/pi2WvlIsMD
— ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2026
Who else is involved in the Mahadev betting scam?
Ravi Uppal is another major accused identified by the ED as a promoter of the platform.
The investigation has examined alleged involvement by local betting operators, financial intermediaries and public servants accused of accepting payments to protect the business.
The CBI alleges that part of the betting proceeds was used to pay protection money to officials, allowing the syndicate to continue operating.
The ₹6,000 crore figure refers to the reported scale of the alleged scam and money laundering investigation. It should not be treated as a court-established amount personally earned by Chandrakar.
Why was the CBI looking for Sourabh Chandrakar?
The CBI took over the Mahadev investigation following a request from the Chhattisgarh government.
Chandrakar was located and detained by the Royal Oman Police following an Interpol Red Notice. Indian agencies submitted evidence and formal extradition requests before Oman approved his return.
Investigators have filed chargesheets involving alleged cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, corruption and violations of gambling laws. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
Why illegal betting apps remain a major concern in India
Illegal betting platforms can expose users to financial losses, fraud and misuse of banking details. Investigators have found that such operations can use overseas infrastructure and networks of local agents to move money across borders.
The Mahadev case shows how difficult it can be to investigate a gambling operation whose alleged organisers, customers and financial transactions are spread across different countries.
Chandrakar’s extradition marks a significant development for the CBI.
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People also ask: FAQs
Q1. Who is Sourabh Chandrakar?
Sourabh Chandrakar is a businessman from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, identified by Indian investigative agencies as an alleged promoter of the Mahadev Online Book betting operation. He reportedly ran a juice shop before entering the betting business.
Q2. What is the Mahadev betting app scam?
The Mahadev case involves allegations that an online betting network operated through websites and applications offering illegal gambling services. Investigators suspect that proceeds were moved through various bank accounts and informal money transfer channels.
Q3. Why was Sourabh Chandrakar extradited from Oman?
Chandrakar was wanted by Indian investigative agencies in connection with alleged illegal betting operations, financial crimes and related criminal investigations. His extradition allows investigators to pursue proceedings against him in India.
Q4. Who are the main accused in the Mahadev betting app case?
Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal are among the principal accused identified by the Enforcement Directorate. Investigators have examined the suspected roles of other betting operators, financial intermediaries and public officials.
Q5. How much money is involved in the Mahadev betting scam?
The case has been widely associated with an alleged financial scale of around ₹6,000 crore. This is an investigative allegation and should not be treated as a judicially established amount of illegal earnings.