The arrest of Saurabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind behind the Mahadev app gambling platform, marks a significant development in a high-profile international investigation. Chandrakar was apprehended following an Interpol red corner notice, and authorities are now working on his extradition from Dubai. The Mahadev app, known for facilitating illegal gambling, has become a political flashpoint between India's major political parties, with allegations of corruption and political protection at the highest levels. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) continues to investigate the financial crimes surrounding the platform, which has already ensnared multiple key figures in its web.

Arrest of Saurabh Chandrakar: A Major Breakthrough in Mahadev App Case

Saurabh Chandrakar, the alleged kingpin behind the Mahadev app gambling platform, was arrested following a global manhunt. The arrest came after Interpol issued a red corner notice, requesting law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally detain him. This follows months of investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the case in August.

Interpol and Indian Authorities: Coordinated Efforts Leading to Arrest

The process to arrest Chandrakar began on September 4, when a special court in Raipur issued a non-bailable warrant. This warrant, issued against both Chandrakar and his associate Ravi Uppal, paved the way for the Interpol notice. Saurabh Kumar Pandey, counsel for the Enforcement Directorate, confirmed that the required documents to facilitate Chandrakar's extradition are now being processed, with efforts underway to bring him back from Dubai for prosecution.

The Mahadev App: A Hub for Illegal Gambling Activities

The Mahadev app gained notoriety for enabling illegal gambling on a variety of games, including poker, cricket, and even elections. Initially exposed under the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh, the platform allowed users to place illicit bets across a range of activities, making it a central figure in India's illegal gambling market.

From Juice Seller to Gambling Kingpin: Chandrakar’s Rise

Chandrakar, once a juice seller, is now a key figure in one of India's largest illegal betting operations. Alongside his associate Ravi Uppal, he managed the Dubai-based Mahadev app, which has been the focus of a sustained investigation by the Enforcement Directorate since 2022. The ED has classified Chandrakar and Uppal as "kingpins" of the operation, and their activities have drawn the attention of both Indian authorities and international law enforcement.

Political Implications: A Flashpoint Between Congress and BJP

The Mahadev app case has escalated into a major political controversy, with accusations flying between India's two largest political parties, the Congress and the BJP. Both parties have accused each other of protecting Chandrakar and Uppal, with allegations of bribes and political shielding deepening the scandal. The case has turned into a high-stakes political battle, particularly in the state of Chhattisgarh.

Accusations of Corruption: Links to High-Ranking Officials

The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that top politicians and bureaucrats in Chhattisgarh were involved in the gambling operation. While former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has been implicated in ED investigations, he has not been formally charged. However, the ED has alleged that Chandrakar and Uppal paid bribes amounting to Rs 508 crore to Baghel, accusations that have further inflamed the political discourse surrounding the case.

Ongoing Investigation: Charges and Prosecution

The Mahadev app investigation is far from over, with the Enforcement Directorate continuing to uncover new details. In its first Prosecution Complaint filed in October, 14 individuals were named, including Chandrakar and Uppal. The ED's supplementary chargesheet in January further detailed allegations of bribery, corruption, and illegal gambling activities. As authorities push forward with Chandrakar's extradition, the scope of the investigation is likely to widen, potentially ensnaring more individuals connected to the operation.