Sourabh (Saurabh) Chandrakar, described as the absconding founder and a prime accused in the Mahadev betting app syndicate, is detained in Oman, Indian officials say. Officials report that Chandrakar, a resident of Chhattisgarh in his 30s, was taken into custody by the Royal Oman Police a few weeks ago following an Interpol Red Notice issued at India’s request by agencies including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Chhattisgarh Police.
Indian authorities say they are now pursuing Chandrakar’s extradition or deportation from Oman. Sources add that investigations have followed his movements and that he was allegedly travelling using a passport from a Southeast Asian country, based on informal inputs.
The ED has previously linked the case to alleged proceeds of crime and has stated that the Mahadev app operation involved alleged financial beneficiaries and persons including high-ranking political and bureaucratic figures from Chhattisgarh. Other reporting also states that Indian agencies have attached assets worth about Rs 1,700 crore associated with Chandrakar. Chandrakar has reportedly been detained previously in Dubai and then released.
