CBI searches 33 locations in Mahadev betting case, finds hawala links, mule accounts

The searches were carried out over the past few days at premises linked to panel operators of the illegal betting platform in Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Amritsar, Bhopal, Raipur and other cities, officials said on Saturday.The searches were conducted following disclosures made by Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the principal promoters of the Mahadev platform, after his extradition from Oman. (Representative Image)New Delhi,Nov 14, 2026 12:04 ISTThe Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at 33 locations across six states in connection with its probe into the Rs 6,000-crore Mahadev online betting app scam, dismantling several live betting and gambling panels and recovering digital devices, mobile phones and incriminating documents.The searches were carried out over the past few days at premises linked to panel operators of the illegal betting platform in Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Amritsar, Bhopal, Raipur and other cities, officials said on Saturday.The seized material allegedly points to the use of mule bank accounts and hawala channels to route betting proceeds abroad.The searches were conducted following disclosures made by Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the principal promoters of the Mahadev platform, after his extradition from Oman. He was arrested by the CBI on November 1 and questioned in connection with the functioning of the betting syndicate and its network of operators across India.According to the agency, Chandrakar's interrogation revealed details about the platform's operations and the network of panel operators. He was also confronted with documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation. The CBI said its investigation had revealed that the platform was being operated from abroad through a head office, while its operations in India were managed through an extensive network of panel operators.These operators allegedly created customer IDs, collected betting money through bank accounts opened or hired in the names of other people, and transferred the profits overseas through hawala channels, CBI spokesperson Beena Yadav said.The agency said the Mahadev Online Book was among India's largest illegal online betting syndicates. The platform allegedly facilitated betting on cricket, football, card games and other events through a network of franchised panels and branches across the country.The CBI has registered two FIRs in the Rs 6,000-crore betting scam after the investigation was transferred to the central agency by the Chhattisgarh government.After completing its initial questioning, the agency produced Chandrakar before a special CBI court in Raipur on November 12. He was subsequently remanded to judicial custody until November 19.The investigation is continuing into the role of other accused, including those based abroad, individuals who allegedly facilitated the betting operations and public servants suspected of involvement. The CBI is also pursuing the extradition of other accused who remain absconding, the spokesperson said.- Ends