India Seeks Deportation Of Mahadev Betting App Kingpin From Oman

Indian authorities have formally requested Oman to deport Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind behind the Mahadev online betting app, after his detention in Muscat for carrying a forged passport. The request was conveyed through diplomatic channels, with New Delhi pressing for his swift return to face charges of money laundering and illegal betting operations.

Chandrakar, a prime accused in multiple Enforcement Directorate cases, was arrested by Omani police earlier this week when he attempted to travel using a fake travel document. His detention came after a coordinated effort between Indian intelligence agencies and Interpol, which had issued a red corner notice against him.

The Mahadev app, which allegedly facilitated illegal betting and gambling, is estimated to have handled transactions worth thousands of crores. Indian investigators have linked Chandrakar to a network that lured users with promises of high returns, while siphoning funds through shell companies and cryptocurrency.

Legal experts say deportation could take weeks, depending on Oman's judicial process. If extradited, Chandrakar will be produced before a special court in India, where he faces charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Information Technology Act.

The development marks a significant step in India's crackdown on offshore betting syndicates, which have flourished despite bans in many states. Authorities are also probing the involvement of Bollywood celebrities and politicians who allegedly promoted the app.