The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 33 locations across six states in connection with its investigation into the alleged illegal online betting operations of the Mahadev Online Book platform.
The searches were carried out over the past few days at premises linked to panel operators of the betting platform, following disclosures made by Sourabh Chandrakar, one of its principal promoters, after his extradition from Oman.
According to the CBI, several live betting and gambling panels were discovered operating at different locations during the searches. These operations were subsequently dismantled by the investigating agency.
The CBI also recovered and seized digital devices, mobile phones and documents indicating the alleged use of mule bank accounts and hawala networks for managing financial transactions linked to the betting operations.
Chandrakar was extradited from Oman and arrested by the CBI on November 1, 2026. A special court in Raipur had granted the agency eight days of police custody to question him regarding the functioning of the platform and its network of operators across India.
During interrogation, investigators gathered information about the platform’s operational structure and the activities of its panel operators. The accused was also confronted with documentary records and digital evidence collected during the investigation.
The agency’s investigation has revealed that the platform was allegedly operated from abroad through a central head office, while its activities within India were managed through an extensive network of panel operators.
These operators allegedly handled customer IDs, collected betting money through bank accounts opened or hired in the names of other individuals and transferred proceeds abroad through hawala channels.
The CBI has registered two FIRs in connection with the Mahadev Online Book case after the investigation was transferred to the central agency by the Chhattisgarh Government.
The investigation is continuing to establish the role of other accused persons, including those allegedly operating from foreign locations, individuals suspected of facilitating the betting network and public servants whose roles are under examination. The agency is also pursuing the extradition of other accused persons who remain absconding.
The CBI has cautioned members of the public against participating in online betting and gambling activities. It has also warned people against lending or renting their bank accounts, SIM cards or identity documents to others for facilitating such operations, stating that such activities can expose individuals to criminal prosecution.
The latest searches mark another phase in the ongoing investigation into the alleged betting network as the agency continues to examine its operational structure, financial transactions and wider network of individuals involved.
