Mahadev betting platform co-founder Ravi Uppal arrested in Dubai

Ravi Uppal, co-founder of the Mahadev online betting platform and an accused in an alleged multi-crore betting racket, has been arrested in Dubai. According to media reports, his arrest comes days after his business partner, Saurabh Chandrakar, was extradited from Oman to India. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and police agencies in several states are investigating allegations that the duo operated an extensive illegal betting network from Dubai.

Chandrakar was brought to India on Sunday in an operation coordinated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). According to media reports, he was detained by the Royal Oman Police in June following an Interpol Red Corner Notice. The CBI and ED subsequently submitted a formal extradition request to Oman. A CBI official was quoted as saying that both promoters possess Vanuatu passports allegedly obtained using forged documents.

Probe into alleged betting network worth over ₹75,000 crore

Investigating agencies estimate the alleged betting operation to be worth more than ₹75,000 crore. Officials are expected to question both promoters to establish the network's scale, trace its financial transactions and identify other individuals involved.

After his return, Chandrakar was taken to Raipur, where the CBI secured his transit remand before shifting him to Delhi for questioning. Uppal remains in Dubai custody, with Indian agencies expected to initiate extradition proceedings.

According to a media report, security establishment sources believe Uppal's interrogation could help identify key individuals and trace funds linked to the operation. Uppal is also an accused in the ED's money laundering investigation.

Agencies allege thousands of users were recruited through betting panels

According to reports, investigating agencies believe the promoters built a network of thousands of customers and generated substantial proceeds through illegal betting. The agencies allege that the money was transferred overseas through hawala channels, with a portion distributed in India as commissions and other payments.

The Mahadev platform offered betting on cricket, football, tennis and badminton, alongside card games such as poker, Teen Patti and Dragon Tiger. Media reports have also alleged that the platform facilitated betting on Indian elections.

According to the investigation, the operation functioned through a franchise-like model involving intermediaries known as 'panel owners'. These operators allegedly recruited customers, collected deposits and managed betting transactions through websites and messaging platforms.

Users were reportedly directed through online advertisements and WhatsApp contacts to transfer money into designated bank accounts in exchange for betting credits on the platform.

The ED had earlier described the Dubai establishment as the network's 'head office'. Investigating agencies allege that Chandrakar and Uppal exercised central control over the operation, selling individual panels to intermediaries while retaining approximately 80% of the profits.