Goa: The CBI has secured eight days of custodial interrogation of Saurabh Chandrakar, a key accused in the Mahadev online betting case, as it seeks to investigate this case and also uncover the alleged links between the illegal betting network and public officials.
A special court in Raipur granted the agency’s request to question Chandrakar until 4 pm on November 12. Media has reported that the CBI had initially sought ten days of custody, maintaining that his interrogation was necessary to investigate the alleged involvement of bureaucrats, if any, who may have allegedly facilitated the syndicate’s operations.
During its submissions before the court, the agency alleged that Chandrakar, along with co-accused Ravi Uppal and others, generated approximately ₹450 crore every month through online betting activities since 2020. Investigators suspect that a portion of the proceeds was distributed as protection money to several functionaries to ensure that betting operations continued without disruption.
The CBI is expected to question Chandrakar about the alleged payment channels, the identities of beneficiaries and the network of intermediaries involved in transferring funds. The investigation is also examining the suspected use of hawala channels and bank accounts allegedly opened through fraudulent means to route betting proceeds.
The court has permitted the agency to take Chandrakar to Delhi for further interrogation. It has also laid down safeguards for his custody, including regular medical examinations, CCTV surveillance during questioning, access to family members for half an hour daily and a designated time slot for meetings with his lawyers.
Chandrakar’s defence raised objections concerning the circumstances of his extradition from Oman, arguing that he had been brought to India in connection with the Enforcement Directorate’s money-laundering proceedings rather than the CBI case. The agency contested the objection. His extradition followed coordination between Indian investigative agencies and Omani authorities. He is among the principal accused being investigated in the alleged multi-crore betting and money-laundering operation.
The eight-day interrogation could prove crucial for investigators seeking to establish the alleged money trail and identify individuals who may have provided protection or assistance to the syndicate. The allegations remain under investigation and are yet to be established before a court of law.
