CBI extradites Mahadev Betting App promoter Sourabh Chandrakar from Oman. All details here

A CBI team specially deputed to Oman escorted Chandrakar back to India. He will be produced before the CBI Special Court in Raipur on Monday, the agency said in a statement.

Chandrakar is wanted in two CBI cases in which chargesheets have already been filed, as well as an Enforcement Directorate (ED) case in which a prosecution complaint has been filed.

"This extradition marks a significant milestone in India's sustained efforts to bring back fugitives who operate transnational criminal enterprises against Indian citizens from abroad, and to make them face the due process of Indian law," the CBI said.

The CBI took up the investigation into the Mahadev Online Book cases at the request of the Chhattisgarh government. Investigations revealed that Mahadev Online Book was one of the country's largest illegal online betting syndicates, operating from outside India.

The platform allegedly facilitated illegal betting on cricket, football, card games and other events through a network of franchised "panels" and "branches" spread across India. These outlets enrolled users and collected betting stakes.

The proceeds from the illegal betting activities were allegedly routed through numerous mule bank accounts, layered through multiple transactions and transferred abroad through hawala channels. Investigations also revealed that a portion of the proceeds was used to pay protection money to public servants to ensure the syndicate could operate without hindrance.

The CBI filed chargesheets under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery, and the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act. Chandrakar is among the key accused named in the chargesheets. The ED has also attached several properties in India and abroad linked to the syndicate.

Acting on a Red Corner Notice issued against Chandrakar, the Royal Oman Police located and detained him. The CBI and ED subsequently submitted formal extradition requests to the Sultanate of Oman, along with evidence gathered against the accused.

The extradition request was pursued in close coordination with various Indian government agencies and the Interpol National Central Bureau, with the support of the competent authorities in Oman. After the extradition was granted, a CBI team travelled to Muscat and escorted Chandrakar back to India.

The CBI expressed gratitude to the Omani government and the Royal Oman Police for their cooperation, saying it reflected the close and friendly relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to combating transnational organised crime.

Chandrakar will undergo a medical examination before being taken to Raipur after the CBI obtains a transit remand. He is scheduled to be produced before the CBI Special Judge in Raipur on Monday.