Ravi Uppal, Co-Founder of Mahadev Betting App, Arrested in Dubai
Ravi Uppal's arrest follows the recent extradition of his associate Sourabh Chandrakar from Oman, marking a significant development in the illegal betting case.
Ravi Uppal was arrested in Dubai, a week after Sourabh Chandrakar's extradition from Oman.
Indian authorities are working to expedite Uppal's extradition from the UAE.
The Mahadev betting syndicate is estimated to have operations worth ₹94,000 crore.
Ravi Uppal, a key figure in the Mahadev online betting application and a significant suspect in a large-scale illegal betting operation, was apprehended in Dubai, according to officials on Wednesday. This arrest is seen as a crucial advancement in the ongoing investigation, occurring just days after the extradition of his partner, Sourabh Chandrakar, from Oman.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had recently secured Chandrakar's return to India, intensifying efforts against the betting syndicate. Although Indian agencies have received confirmation of Uppal's arrest through unofficial sources, there has been no formal communication from the UAE authorities regarding this matter. Officials are currently seeking to gather more information and hasten the extradition process for Uppal.
Uppal, who hails from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, has been operating from Dubai and was previously detained under an Interpol red notice issued in October 2023. He was released within 45 days despite an extradition request from the ED. Reports indicate that both Uppal and Chandrakar possess Vanuatu passports, which they acquired after leaving India. An ED officer highlighted that Uppal played a pivotal role in managing financial transactions and liaising with influential figures in Chhattisgarh.
The ED's investigations have revealed that the Mahadev betting app was systematically supported by local law enforcement and political figures in Chhattisgarh. The agency estimates that the operations linked to the Mahadev app and its associated platforms are valued at approximately ₹94,000 crore, with a significant portion already transferred to the promoters. The implications of this case extend beyond individual arrests, suggesting a broader network of complicity involving local authorities.
Looking ahead, Indian officials are focused on securing Uppal's extradition from the UAE, with plans to interrogate him about the financial networks and beneficiaries of the illegal betting operations. The outcome of these efforts could significantly impact the ongoing investigations into the Mahadev syndicate and its extensive operations across India.
