Indian Agencies Intensify Extradition Efforts for Mahadev App Co-Founder from Dubai
Following the successful extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar from Oman, Indian authorities are now focusing on bringing Ravi Uppal back from Dubai.
Ravi Uppal, co-founder of Mahadev app, is believed to be back in Dubai.
Indian agencies are pursuing his extradition to unravel a ₹6,000 crore betting racket.
Sourabh Chandrakar was successfully extradited from Oman, with further investigations underway.
Indian investigative agencies are ramping up efforts to extradite Ravi Uppal, co-founder of the Mahadev online betting application, from Dubai. This move follows the recent successful extradition of the app's mastermind, Sourabh Chandrakar, who was brought back from Oman. Officials have confirmed that Uppal, who had previously fled to Dubai in 2019, is believed to have returned to the UAE city, prompting intensified collaboration with local authorities for his extradition.
Uppal, a resident of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, is one of 116 individuals named in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into a massive ₹6,000 crore betting scam. He reportedly played a crucial role in the operations of the Mahadev Online Book, handling significant financial transactions and liaising with local politicians. An ED officer stated that securing both Uppal and Chandrakar would be pivotal in exposing the full extent of the conspiracy and identifying all involved parties.
In recent developments, the ED has indicated that it is actively pursuing the extradition process for Uppal. The agency has gathered intelligence suggesting that he is currently in Dubai, and officials are optimistic about his return. The investigation has revealed that while Chandrakar managed the promotional aspects of the business, Uppal was responsible for the hawala transactions, which involved the movement of large sums of money, and he maintained connections with influential political figures in Chhattisgarh.
The ramifications of this case extend beyond individual arrests, as the ED has alleged that the Mahadev app's operations were facilitated by corrupt practices involving local law enforcement and politicians. Allegations have surfaced regarding bribes paid to various officials, including former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who has denied any wrongdoing. The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle the network supporting illegal betting activities that continue to thrive despite government crackdowns on related platforms.
Looking ahead, the CBI has successfully extradited Chandrakar and is expected to present him before a special court in Raipur. The ED is likely to seek custody of both Chandrakar and Uppal to further their investigation. As the agencies continue to unravel the complexities of this case, they aim to bring all responsible parties to justice and curb the ongoing illegal betting operations across India.
