India is pursuing the extradition or deportation of Mahadev betting app founder Sourabh Chandrakar after his detention in Oman
July 8, 2026: Absconding Mahadev betting app founder Sourabh Chandrakar has been detained in Oman, with Indian authorities now pursuing his extradition or deportation to face charges in the multi-crore betting and money laundering case. Officials said Chandrakar, a Chhattisgarh native, was detained by the Royal Oman Police following an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Chhattisgarh Police. The ED has alleged that the Mahadev betting syndicate generated proceeds of crime worth nearly ₹6,000 crore and involved several influential politicians and bureaucrats.
Investigators said Chandrakar had previously been detained in Dubai in 2024 before being released, while his associate and Mahadev app co-founder Ravi Uppal is believed to have fled to Vanuatu. Authorities suspect Chandrakar was travelling on a passport issued by a Southeast Asian country. Officials expressed confidence that India’s close diplomatic ties with Oman would facilitate his return, either through extradition or deportation.
The ED has attached assets worth over ₹1,700 crore linked to Chandrakar, including properties in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. According to the agency, the Mahadev app operated a vast international betting network through platforms such as Tiger Exchange, Gold365 and Laser247, managed through a franchise-based model while Chandrakar and Uppal allegedly controlled operations from Dubai. The ED has arrested 13 people, filed five charge sheets naming 74 accused entities, and also sought to declare Chandrakar and other key accused as fugitive economic offenders.