Main accused Saurabh Chandrakar brought to India from Oman in ₹80,000 crore betting scam

The CBI has succeeded in catching and bringing to India Saurabh Chandrakar, the main promoter of the Mahadev Online Betting App linked to the massive ₹80,000 crore betting scam. According to Dainik Bhaskar's report, a CBI team along with other central agencies arrested him in Oman and he will now be presented before the Special CBI Court in Raipur.

According to the CBI, a Red Corner Notice was issued against Saurabh Chandrakar, based on which the Royal Police of Oman caught him. Subsequently, the CBI and ED sent a formal proposal to Oman for Saurabh's extradition through the Government of India. This proposal also included the evidence gathered against the accused. Following discussions between Indian government agencies, Interpol and Omani officials, his extradition was approved. After the completion of this process, a CBI team reached Muscat and Saurabh was brought to India.

The CBI is investigating various cases related to the Mahadev betting app. The Chhattisgarh government had handed over 13 related FIRs in this matter to the CBI for investigation. In addition, a prosecution complaint has also been filed against him in the ED's case. CBI's investigation has revealed that the Mahadev Online Book was part of a large illegal online betting network in the country, which was operated from outside India. Online betting on cricket, football, cards and other games was conducted through this platform.

To run this network, panels and branches were created across the country like franchises. People were connected to betting through these branches and money was deposited from them. According to the investigating agency, the amount received from betting was deposited in multiple bank accounts. Money was hidden through different transactions via these accounts and then sent abroad through hawala channels. CBI's investigation has also revealed that government employees were bribed to run this network without any hindrance.

The CBI has filed a chargesheet in this matter under the Prevention of Corruption Act, sections of criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery of the IPC, and the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act. On the other hand, the ED has attached several properties in India and abroad. According to the CBI, upon reaching India, Saurabh Chandrakar's medical examination will be conducted. Thereafter, taking transit remand, he will be taken to Raipur. On November 2, he will be presented in the Special CBI Court in Raipur.

Meanwhile, the issue of a fake Indonesian passport of Saurabh Chandrakar has also come to light. According to Dainik Bhaskar's report, Saurabh Chandrakar is accused of entering Oman through a fake Indonesian passport. During the extradition process, Dainik Bhaskar got hold of photos and documents of his alleged fake passport. In this passport, the photo is his own, but the name is that of a Sri Lankan cricketer and the date of birth is also different.