Daijiworld Media Network – Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Sep 25: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Abhishek Kumar, described as one of the key accused in the Mahadev Online Betting App scam, shortly after he arrived from Dubai at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

According to the CBI, Kumar allegedly played an active role in operating online betting and gambling activities under Mahadev Book. He was allegedly involved in coordinating betting panels, collecting funds and acquiring immovable properties in Dubai using proceeds generated from betting operations.

The agency said incriminating material seized during a search conducted immediately after his arrest prima facie indicated his active involvement in operating the Mahadev Betting App.

The CBI also said Kumar worked closely with other main accused, including Saurabh Chandrakar and Shubham Soni.

Following his arrest, Kumar was produced before a local court in Hyderabad, which granted him three days of transit remand. He was subsequently taken to Raipur and produced before a court, which granted two days of police custody remand.

The Chhattisgarh government had transferred 13 FIRs registered at different police stations in the state in connection with the Mahadev Betting App case to the CBI, which subsequently took over the investigations.

So far, the agency has filed eight chargesheets against 100 accused persons. Those named include the main promoters of the betting app, panel operators, hawala operators and public servants of the Chhattisgarh government.

The investigation is continuing, with efforts underway to trace other accused who remain absconding.

The CBI said efforts were also being made to bring the main promoters of the Mahadev Betting App back to India to face trial.

So far, seven Red Corner Notices and two extradition proposals have been sent, while extradition proceedings against two accused are underway.

The agency said it remained committed to bringing those involved in the alleged illegal betting operations to justice and tracing the proceeds of crime.