New Delhi, November 2 (TNA) The Central Bureau of Investigation has secured the extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged kingpin and promoter of the Mahadev Online Book betting syndicate, from Oman to India.
A CBI team travelled to Muscat and, in coordination with other central agencies, escorted Chandrakar back to India. He is expected to undergo a medical examination before being taken to Raipur, Chhattisgarh, for further legal proceedings.
To Appear Before Raipur Court
Chandrakar is scheduled to be produced before the CBI Special Court in Raipur on Monday, November 2, after the agency obtains transit remand. He is wanted in two cases registered in connection with the alleged betting network, in which charge sheets have already been filed.
The Enforcement Directorate has also registered a separate money-laundering case against him and filed a prosecution complaint, according to officials.
Extradited from Oman
The Royal Oman Police detained Chandrakar after formal extradition requests were submitted by the CBI and the ED through the appropriate channels. Following the extradition proceedings, Indian investigators travelled to Oman to take custody of him.
The development follows months of efforts by Indian agencies to bring the accused back to India. Chandrakar had earlier been detained in connection with an Interpol Red Notice.
Probe into Betting Syndicate
The Mahadev Online Book network is alleged to have operated a large illegal online betting syndicate. Investigators have described Chandrakar as one of its principal promoters and alleged that the network generated proceeds running into thousands of crores of rupees.
The CBI took up investigations into the case following a request from the Chhattisgarh government. The ED is separately investigating alleged money laundering and financial transactions linked to the betting operation.
Chandrakar’s extradition is expected to provide investigators an opportunity to question him about the alleged network, its financial channels and the role of other accused persons. The allegations will be tested before the court, and he remains presumed innocent unless convicted.