New Delhi, November 14 (HS): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 33 locations across six states as part of its crackdown on the illegal betting network linked to the Mahadev Online Book app. During the operation, carried out over the past few days, investigators found active betting and gambling panels, which were subsequently dismantled. Digital devices, mobile phones and incriminating documents indicating the use of mule bank accounts and hawala channels were also seized.

According to the CBI, the searches were conducted on the basis of information obtained during the interrogation of Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the principal promoters of the Mahadev app and a key accused in the case. Chandrakar was extradited from Oman and arrested on November 1. A special CBI court in Raipur had granted the agency eight days of police custody for his interrogation. During questioning, investigators obtained significant information about the platform's operations and its network of panel operators across India.

The CBI conducted searches in Amritsar, Delhi, Nagaur, Dholpur, Bhopal, Raipur, Durg, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai and Nagpur. The agency also questioned Chandrakar about the digital and documentary evidence recovered during the searches.

After the completion of his police remand, Chandrakar was produced before the special CBI court in Raipur on November 12. The court subsequently remanded him to judicial custody until November 19.

Betting Network Operated Through Overseas Headquarters and Indian Panels

The CBI said it had registered two cases relating to the Mahadev Online Book platform after the investigation was transferred to the agency by the Chhattisgarh government.

The investigation so far has revealed that the platform was allegedly operated from an overseas headquarters and functioned in India through an extensive network of panel operators. These operators managed customer IDs and collected betting proceeds through bank accounts opened specifically or hired in the names of other individuals. The profits were subsequently transferred abroad through hawala channels.

The agency is also investigating the role of other accused persons, including those based overseas, individuals who allegedly facilitated the network's operations and public servants suspected of involvement. Efforts are under way to secure the extradition of other absconding accused.

CBI Warns Public Against Sharing Bank Accounts and Identity Documents

The CBI has cautioned the public that online betting and gambling are illegal activities. It has also warned that allowing another person to use or rent one's bank account, SIM card or identity documents for such activities constitutes a criminal offence.

The agency said individuals who provide these facilities to others could also face prosecution.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar