CBI searches 33 locations across six states in Mahadev app case
The agency dismantled live betting panels and seized digital devices following disclosures by promoter Sourabh Chandrakar.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at 33 locations across six states over the last few days as part of a probe into the illegal Mahadev Online Book betting platform, according to The Times of India and ANI.
The searches took place in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Amritsar, Delhi, Nagaur, Dholpur, Bhopal, Raipur, Durg, Indore, Mumbai, Nagpur and other locations.
The operation followed disclosures made by alleged key promoter Sourabh Chandrakar after his extradition from Oman. Chandrakar was arrested on November 1 and was later remanded to judicial custody until November 19.
During the searches, officials allegedly found and dismantled live betting and gambling panels. The agency seized mobile phones, digital devices and documents that point to the use of mule bank accounts and hawala channels.
CBI spokesperson Beena Yadav said the interrogation of Chandrakar provided details regarding the platform's operations and its network of panel operators in India.
The agency stated the platform is operated from abroad through a head office, while panel operators in India allegedly manage customer IDs and collect betting money through accounts opened or rented in other people's names.
The CBI has registered two FIRs after the case was transferred from the Chhattisgarh government. The investigation is continuing into the roles of other accused, facilitators, public servants and overseas operators.
Efforts are underway to extradite other absconding accused. The agency has cautioned the public that renting out bank accounts, SIM cards or identity documents for betting activities could lead to criminal prosecution.