Mahadev app case: CBI brings main accused Saurabh Chandrakar back from Oman

Saurabh Chandrakar, the main accused in the Mahadev app case, counted among the country's biggest betting cases, has finally been brought to India from Oman. He is described as the man behind the app, which was used for illegal online betting. He will now be produced before a CBI special court in Raipur.

Chandrakar was wanted in India in two CBI cases, in both of which chargesheets have already been filed. A prosecution complaint is also pending against him in a case of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The extradition is being seen as significant for bringing back fugitive accused who plot against people in India from abroad, and taking legal action against them.

The CBI began investigating the Mahadev online booking cases at the request of the Chhattisgarh government. The probe found that this was one of the country's biggest illegal online betting networks and was being run from outside India.

Through this network, illegal bets were placed on cricket, football, card games and other events. A web of panels and branches had been set up across the country on a franchise model, through which customers were enrolled and made to deposit money.

The investigation also revealed that earnings from the betting were routed through a large number of fake bank accounts. After several layers of transactions, the money was sent abroad through hawala channels. According to the CBI, part of these illegal earnings was paid to government officials and employees in return for protection, so that the syndicate's business could run without hindrance.

The CBI has filed chargesheets in the case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, Indian Penal Code sections relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery, and Chhattisgarh's anti-gambling laws. Chandrakar is one of the main accused in these cases. The ED, for its part, has attached several properties in India and abroad linked to the syndicate.

A Red Corner Notice had been issued against Chandrakar. On that basis, the Royal Oman Police traced and detained him. The CBI and the ED then sent the Omani government a formal extradition request along with the evidence gathered against him.

The extradition was completed with the cooperation of various Indian investigating agencies, Interpol and Omani officials. After the Omani government gave its approval, a CBI team travelled to Muscat and brought Chandrakar to India.

The CBI has thanked the Omani government and the Royal Oman Police for their help in the operation. The agency said it is an example of cooperation between the two countries against international organised crime.

Chandrakar will undergo a medical examination after being brought to India. Once transit remand is granted, he will be taken to Raipur and produced before the CBI special judge.