CBI secures custody of Mahadev betting app kingpin after Oman extradition

The CBI has secured eight days of custodial interrogation of Saurabh Chandrakar following his extradition from Oman, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the Mahadev betting app case. A special court in Raipur granted the custody order, allowing federal investigators to question the alleged kingpin of one of India's largest illegal gambling networks.

Chandrakar is accused of orchestrating the ₹6,000-crore online betting syndicate that operated across multiple states, leveraging digital platforms to circumvent regulatory oversight. The scale and sophistication of the operation has drawn intense scrutiny from law enforcement agencies across the country.

The extradition followed months of coordination between Indian authorities and Omani officials, underscoring New Delhi's renewed focus on tackling cross-border criminal networks. The case has exposed vulnerabilities in India's digital gaming landscape and prompted calls for stricter regulations around online betting platforms.

Investigators are expected to use the custodial period to uncover details about the syndicate's operational structure, financial flows, and potential involvement of other key figures. The CBI's interrogation will likely shed light on how the betting network expanded its reach and maintained operations despite regulatory crackdowns.