Mahadev betting case: CBI arrests key suspect at Hyderabad airport after arrival from Dubai

The CBI arrested Abhishek Kumar, a key suspect in the Mahadev Online Betting App case, at Hyderabad airport after he arrived from Dubai. A court in Raipur later granted the agency two days’ police custody, officials said.

Hyderabad: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Abhishek Kumar, one of the key suspects in the Mahadev Online Betting App case, shortly after he arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) from Dubai.

Kumar, who was wanted in connection with the case, allegedly played an active role in running online betting and gambling operations under Mahadev Book, coordinating betting panels and collecting funds.

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The CBI also alleged that he acquired immovable properties in Dubai using proceeds generated from the betting operations.

Officials had seized incriminating material from Kumar during a search conducted immediately after his arrest.

The CBI said the material prima facie indicates his involvement in the betting network and his links with other key accused, including Saurabh Chandrakar and Shubham Soni.

Kumar was produced before a local court in Hyderabad, which granted the CBI three days’ transit remand. He was subsequently taken to Raipur and produced before a court there, which granted two days’ police custody.

The Chhattisgarh government had transferred 13 FIRs related to the Mahadev betting app to the CBI. The agency has so far filed eight chargesheets against 100 suspects, including alleged app promoters, panel operators, hawala operators and public servants.

Meanwhile, the alleged main promoters, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, are absconding.

The CBI said seven Red Corner Notices and two extradition proposals have been issued, with extradition proceedings against two suspects underway.