CBI Raids 33 Locations in Gujarat and 5 Other States in Mahadev Online Betting Case

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 33 locations across six states in recent days targeting panel operators of the illegal Mahadev Online Book betting platform. The searches were carried out following disclosures by Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the platform’s principal promoters, after his extradition from Oman.

The searches covered Amritsar, Delhi, Nagaur, Dholpur, Bhopal, Raipur, Durg, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai and Nagpur.

During the operation, investigators found and dismantled live betting and gambling panels. Digital devices, mobile phones and incriminating documents indicating the use of mule bank accounts and hawala networks were also recovered and seized.

Chandrakar was extradited from Oman and arrested by the CBI on November 1, 2026. The Special Judge (CBI Cases), Raipur, granted the agency eight days of police custody. His interrogation revealed details about the platform’s functioning and its network of panel operators in India. He was also confronted with documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation.

The CBI had registered two FIRs in the Mahadev Online Book case after the cases were transferred by the Chhattisgarh government. Investigations have 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 proceeds through bank accounts opened or rented in the names of other individuals, and transfer profits abroad through hawala channels.

After the expiry of his police custody, Chandrakar was produced before the Special Judge (CBI Cases), Raipur, on November 12, 2026, and remanded to judicial custody until November 19, 2026.

The investigation is continuing into the roles of other accused, including those based abroad, individuals who facilitated the operations and concerned public servants. Efforts are also underway to extradite other absconding accused.

The CBI has cautioned the public against participating in online betting and gambling, which are illegal. Lending or renting bank accounts, SIM cards or identity documents for such activities is also a criminal offence and may expose account holders to prosecution. DeshGujarat