Ravi Uppal, co-founder of Mahadev online betting app, was arrested in Dubai. According to Indian investigating agencies, Uppal is the main accused in an illegal betting network worth crores of rupees. Officials said on Wednesday that this is the second major success in this case within the last one week. ED and CBI allege that a network of money laundering and illegal betting worth about Rs 6,000 crore was run through Mahadev App. In this case, ED has so far seized properties worth thousands of crores of rupees.
Ravi Uppal’s arrest has come at a time when a few days ago the process of bringing his business partner and the second alleged mastermind of this syndicate, Saurabh Chandrakar, from Oman to India was completed. However, Indian agencies have not yet received official information about Uppal’s arrest from the UAE.
How was Ravi Uppal caught in Dubai?
According to officials, Indian agencies received information about the arrest of Ravi Uppal through unofficial sources. There has been no official discussion from UAE yet with India in this regard. Indian officials are collecting information through proper channels, so that the process of bringing him to India can be started soon. According to Hindustan Times report, an Indian government official, on the condition of anonymity, said, “We have come to know from reliable sources that Ravi Uppal has been arrested in Dubai. This is a big success. We will try to get him extradited from UAE as soon as possible.”
When was Ravi Uppal caught in Dubai earlier?
Interpol’s red notice was issued against Ravi Uppal in October 2023. After this, Dubai authorities took him into custody in December 2023, however, he was released after about 45 days. Now once again after the news of his arrest has surfaced, Indian agencies are intensifying their efforts to bring him to India.
Who is Ravi Uppal?
Ravi Uppal was born on 30 September 1980 in Bhilai city of Durg district of Chhattisgarh. Before Mahadev allegedly built a business worth crores of rupees through online betting app, he used to do small scale business in Bhilai. It is said that he was earlier involved in taking borewell contracts and small oil related businesses. He also has a big family bungalow in Bhilai. This bungalow is closed after investigation and legal action.
What are the allegations in Mahadev App case?
According to CBI and ED, a large-scale illegal online betting network was being run through Mahadev App. Investigative agencies allege that money laundering of about Rs 6,000 crore was done through this network. Ravi Uppal and Saurabh Chandrakar have been considered the main accused in this case. ED is continuously taking action against the properties related to this alleged syndicate.