- After being brought from Oman to India, investigation is underway
- More names are likely to come up in the investigation
- Separate investigation by CBI and ED
The main accused in Mahadev Betting App Scam, Saurabh Chandrakar, has been sent to CBI custody for 8 days by a special CBI court in Raipur. During the hearing held on Wednesday (4th), the court has ordered CBI custody. Chandrakar will now be taken to the CBI headquarters in Delhi for questioning, and he will be produced again in the court on November 12.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and lawyers were also present during the hearing. ED has also sought Saurabh Chandrakar's custody. However, Chandrakar's lawyer Tushar Giri opposed the CBI's remand plea and said it was unwarranted. A heavy police force was deployed in the court premises in view of the hearing.
After being brought from Oman to India, investigation is underway
Saurabh Chandrakar, the prime accused in the alleged online betting scam worth around Rs 6,000 crore, was brought by the CBI to Raipur from Delhi on Tuesday. He was brought to India through extradition proceedings from Oman. Earlier on Monday, Delhi's Rouse Avenue court had remanded him to CBI custody on two-day transit remand.
More names are likely to come up in the investigation
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said that the main accused in this case has been brought to India. He also expressed the possibility that some more names may come up in the CBI investigation. This time he criticized the Congress, accusing the party of weakening democracy for its own interests.
On the other hand, Congress state president Deepak Baij claimed in a press conference that co-accused Ravi Uppal and Shubham Soni are still absconding. He also raised the question that where is Shubham Soni. It was he who released the video related to Mahadev app during the 2023 elections, Baiz said.
More than 72 FIRs were filed in this case during the previous Congress government. Baij also claimed that many raids were conducted and detention sessions were also conducted.
Lawyers object to extradition proceedings
Earlier, Saurabh Chandrakar's lawyers had raised questions on his extradition process. Citing an Omani court order, he argued that India's request was granted only in the ED case and not in the CBI case. Therefore, the lawyers say that action can be taken in the same cases on the basis of which the extradition took place.
Separate investigation by CBI and ED
CBI is investigating the cases related to Mahadev betting app. The Chhattisgarh government had handed over 13 FIRs in this case to the CBI. A charge sheet has also been filed in two of those cases. The ED is investigating from the point of view of money laundering and a prosecution complaint has been filed against Saurabh Chandrakar.
According to the CBI, Saurabh Chandrakar, Ravi Uppal and their associates promoted the Mahadev app. Created several platforms for online betting and remitted the proceeds to the United Arab Emirates through various bank accounts.
Saurabh Chandrakar was absconding in Dubai since 2023. Interpol had issued a red corner notice against him. He was arrested by the Royal Police of Oman on July 8. 116 days later, on November 1, he was brought to India.