Mumbai: In a significant development, Saurabh Chandrakar, the promoter of the controversial Mahadev betting app, has been arrested in Dubai. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Department, apprehended Chandrakar, who is the primary accused in a massive betting scandal estimated to be worth around six thousand crores. Chandrakar, a native of Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, reportedly began his career selling fruit juice before falling into the world of betting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After connecting with individuals linked to the betting industry during widespread layoffs, he transitioned into online betting. His journey saw him traveling to Hyderabad for training in online betting, eventually leading to the establishment of the Mahadev betting app. The Mahadev app has gained notoriety across India, with allegations of involvement from various political figures, law enforcement officials, and individuals connected to the political sphere. Reports indicate that the app's turnover is suspected to reach approximately 5,000 crores, facilitating illegal betting activities by supplying customers to unauthorized betting sites.
Chandrakar's recent marriage in the UAE in February 2023, which reportedly cost around Rs 200 crore, drew significant attention. The extravagant wedding included a private plane transporting family members from Nagpur to the UAE and featured performances from notable Hindi cinema stars such as Tiger Shroff, Neha Kakkar, and Sunny Leone. The event was lavishly planned, with wedding planners, dancers, and decorators flown in from Mumbai.
As the ED's investigation progresses, it has come to light that many of the financial transactions related to the wedding were conducted through illegal hawala channels. Technical evidence suggests that Rs 112 crore was paid to an event management company, M/s R-1 Events Pvt Ltd, while another Rs 42 crore was allocated for hotel accommodations.
The arrest of Saurabh Chandrakar marks a crucial step in the ongoing investigation into the Mahadev betting app and its far-reaching implications for those involved in the betting syndicate. As authorities continue to unravel the complex web of transactions and connections, the case remains a focal point in the fight against illegal gambling in India.
