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Sourabh Chandrakar, a former juice vendor who rose to become an alleged betting kingpin, is facing extradition to India after his arrest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chandrakar, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the Mahadev app, a platform for online betting, was apprehended in Dubai following an Interpol red notice. The Mahadev app is at the center of a massive ₹6,000 crore betting scam, drawing the attention of Indian law enforcement agencies.
Indian authorities, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Chhattisgarh Police, are working diligently to secure Chandrakar's extradition. An extradition order was issued by a court in Raipur, which is now being sent to UAE authorities. This coordinated effort signifies the seriousness of the charges against Chandrakar and the determination to bring him to justice in India.
Chandrakar and his business partner, Ravi Uppal, have been under house detention in Dubai since December 2023. The ED previously alleged that the duo paid bribes of ₹508 crore to the then Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel. These allegations highlight the vast network and influence Chandrakar is suspected to have cultivated. Chandrakar's journey from a humble juice shop owner to a powerful figure in the world of online betting demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to capitalize on opportunities, albeit through illegal means.
The investigation revealed that Chandrakar and Uppal established a sophisticated betting operation, using Dubai as their base. They set up call centers across key cities in Malaysia, Thailand, the UAE, and India, creating subsidiary apps to expand their betting empire. To manage these operations, they relied on a network of trusted associates, including Sunil Damani and Anil Damani, who operated call centers in Chhattisgarh and other states.
The scale of their operation is staggering. The ED estimates that the network included approximately 4,000 panel operators across India, each managing around 200 customers placing bets. Through this intricate network, Chandrakar and Uppal allegedly generated at least ₹200 crore daily, amassing a substantial fortune. Their success in establishing this criminal empire in the UAE underscores their expertise in navigating the complexities of international finance and their ability to evade detection for an extended period.
The lavish wedding of Chandrakar in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in February 2023, further highlights the extent of his wealth and influence. Reports suggest that approximately ₹200 crore in cash was spent on the event, which featured appearances by 17 Hindi film celebrities. The celebrities were reportedly paid exorbitant sums, allegedly through hawala channels, for their participation in the celebration. The ostentatious nature of the wedding served as a public display of Chandrakar's wealth, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the betting underworld.
Source: From juice vendor to betting kingpin: How Sourabh Chandrakar built ₹6,000 crore empire