Government Officials Allegedly Received ‘Protection Money’: Why CBI Sought Custody of Mahadev App Promoter Saurabh Chandrakar

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought custodial interrogation of Saurabh Chandrakar, the alleged key promoter of the Mahadev online betting app syndicate, to identify government officials and influential individuals in Chhattisgarh who allegedly received protection money to allow the illegal betting operations to continue.

A special court in Raipur granted the CBI eight days of custody of Chandrakar on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. He was extradited from Oman on November 1 and was subsequently brought to Raipur for court proceedings. The court also permitted the agency to take him to Delhi for further questioning.

CBI Seeks to Identify Officials Allegedly Involved

In its remand application, the CBI alleged that Chandrakar, along with co-promoters and associates, regularly paid large amounts of money to police personnel, administrative officials and influential political figures in exchange for protection.

According to the agency, these payments were allegedly arranged and distributed through hawala operators. Police officers and other personnel were also suspected of acting as intermediaries to channel the money to officials.

The CBI told the court that questioning Chandrakar in custody was necessary to identify the alleged recipients, establish the payment channels and investigate the people who may have benefited from the syndicate's activities.

The agency also wants to trace how the alleged proceeds were collected, layered and transferred outside India, as well as identify properties and other assets reportedly acquired using the money.

Alleged Betting Network and Financial Operations

The CBI's investigation indicates that Chandrakar, Ravi Uppal and other associates promoted the Mahadev Book app and operated online betting through a network of panel and branch operators.

The agency alleged that the promoters retained around 70 to 80 per cent of the illegal earnings, while the remaining amount was distributed among panel operators.

The CBI further claimed that Chandrakar and other promoters were generating approximately Rs 450 crore per month through online betting operations since the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

Investigators also alleged that hundreds of bank accounts were opened using forged documents to facilitate transactions involving the betting proceeds. These accounts were reportedly operated on a commission basis, with money transferred through multiple accounts to the promoters, including Chandrakar, who was based in the UAE.

Hawala Channels Under Investigation

A major focus of the investigation is the suspected use of hawala networks to move money and distribute alleged protection payments.

According to the CBI, the money was allegedly routed through intermediaries and police personnel before reaching government officials and influential individuals. The agency is also examining whether properties and other assets were purchased using these proceeds.

The investigation is intended to establish the complete financial trail and identify the alleged beneficiaries of the betting syndicate's earnings.

Chandrakar's Legal Position

Chandrakar's lawyer, Tushar Giri, raised an objection concerning the extradition process. He argued that Chandrakar had been extradited in connection with the Enforcement Directorate's case and questioned whether the CBI could proceed against him in a separate case without an appropriate extradition order.

The defence indicated that it would raise the legal objection at the appropriate stage. The issue remains part of the legal proceedings surrounding the investigation.

Investigation Continues

The Mahadev betting app case involves allegations of illegal online betting, financial fraud, money laundering and corruption. The Enforcement Directorate has separately estimated the alleged proceeds of crime at around Rs 6,000 crore.

With Chandrakar in CBI custody, investigators are expected to focus on identifying the alleged recipients of protection money, tracing the financial transactions and determining the wider network of people who may have facilitated the syndicate's operations.

The allegations against individuals and public officials remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. The CBI's questioning is aimed at establishing the facts and identifying those allegedly involved.