Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 14: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 33 locations across six states targeting panel operators of the illegal online betting platform Mahadev Online Book in the last few days.
The searches were carried out following disclosures made by Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the platform's principal promoters, after his extradition from Oman. During the operations, investigators found active betting and gambling panels, which were subsequently dismantled. Digital devices, mobile phones and documents indicating the use of mule bank accounts and hawala networks were also seized.
Chandrakar was extradited from Oman and arrested by the CBI on November 1. The Special Judge in Raipur granted the agency eight days of police custody for his interrogation. During questioning, he reportedly disclosed details about the platform's operations and its network of panel operators in India. He was also confronted with documentary and digital evidence gathered during the investigation.
After the expiry of his police custody, Chandrakar was produced before the Special Judge (CBI Cases), Raipur, on November 12 and remanded to judicial custody until November 19, 2026.
The CBI had registered two FIRs in the Mahadev Online Book case after the investigation was transferred from the Chhattisgarh government.
The investigation has revealed that the platform is operated from abroad through a head office and functions in India through an extensive network of panel operators. These operators manage customer IDs, collect betting money through bank accounts opened or hired in the names of other individuals, and allegedly transfer profits abroad through hawala channels.
The investigation is continuing into the roles of other accused, including those based abroad, individuals who facilitated the operations and public servants. The CBI is also taking steps to secure the extradition of other absconding accused.
The agency has cautioned the public against participating in online betting and gambling activities, which are illegal. It has also warned that lending or renting bank accounts, SIM cards or identity documents for such activities is a criminal offence and could expose the account holders to prosecution.