CBI raids 33 locations across 13 cities in Mahadev betting app case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 33 locations across 13 cities in six states in connection with the Mahadev online betting app case, detecting and shutting down active betting panels.

The searches, carried out over the past few days, covered Amritsar, Delhi, Nagaur, Dholpur, Bhopal, Raipur, Durg, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai and Nagpur. Digital devices, mobile phones and documents linked to suspected mule bank accounts and hawala networks were seized.

The operation targeted premises of panel operators associated with the illegal betting platform and followed disclosures made by key promoter and accused Saurabh Chandrakar after his extradition from Oman, the CBI said.

Chandrakar was arrested by the agency on November 1, 2026, following his extradition. A special court dealing with CBI cases in Raipur had granted the agency eight days of police custody for his interrogation.

During questioning, investigators gathered information about the platform’s operations and its network of panel operators in India. Chandrakar was also questioned about documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation.

The CBI has registered two FIRs relating to the Mahadev Online Book platform after the cases were transferred from the Chhattisgarh Government.

According to the agency’s investigation, the platform operates from abroad through a central office and an extensive network of panel operators in India. These operators allegedly manage customer IDs and collect betting money through bank accounts opened specifically for the purpose or rented in other people’s names. The proceeds are allegedly transferred overseas through hawala channels.

After his police custody ended, Chandrakar was produced before the special CBI court in Raipur on November 12 and remanded to judicial custody until November 19.

The agency is investigating the roles of other accused, including those based abroad, individuals allegedly facilitating the operations and concerned public servants. Efforts are also underway to secure the extradition of other absconding accused.

The CBI has cautioned the public against online betting and gambling, warning that lending or renting out bank accounts, SIM cards or identity documents for such activities is also a criminal offence and may invite prosecution.