CBI arrests Mahadev betting app kingpin Abhishek Kumar as he returns to Hyderabad

The CBI arrested Mahadev betting app accused Abhishek Kumar after he landed in Hyderabad from Dubai. Investigators say the move advances the wider probe into the betting network, its absconding accused and alleged crime proceeds.

In Short

• Investigators said Kumar helped run betting operations under the Mahadev Book network
• He allegedly coordinated panels, collected funds and bought Dubai properties
• CBI seized incriminating material that allegedly shows his active operational role

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Abhishek Kumar, one of the kingpins and wanted accused in the Mahadev Online Betting App case. He was arrested immediately after arriving from Dubai at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Thursday.

According to the investigation, Abhishek Kumar played an active role in running online betting and gambling operations under Mahadev Book. He was also involved in coordinating betting panels, collecting funds and acquiring immovable assets in Dubai using the proceeds of the illegal betting and gambling operations.

The CBI said incriminating material was recovered and seized from his possession during a search conducted immediately after his arrest. The agency said the material prima facie indicates his active role in the operation of the Mahadev Betting App.

LINKED TO MAHADEV APP'S MAIN ACCUSED

The investigation has also revealed that Abhishek Kumar worked closely with other main accused in the case, including Saurabh Chandrakar and Shubham Soni.

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

CBI HAS FILED 8 CHARGESHEETS AGAINST 100 ACCUSED

The Chhattisgarh government had earlier transferred 13 FIRs registered at different police stations in the state in connection with the Mahadev Betting App to the CBI. The central agency subsequently took over the cases.

So far, the CBI has filed eight chargesheets against 100 accused persons in the case. Those chargesheeted include the main promoters of the Mahadev Betting App, panel operators, hawala operators and public servants of the Chhattisgarh government.

The investigation is continuing to trace other accused who remain absconding.

EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO BRING MAIN PROMOTERS BACK TO INDIA

The CBI said efforts are also underway 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 in connection with the case. Extradition proceedings against two accused are currently underway.

The CBI said it remains committed to bringing those involved in the illegal betting operations to justice and tracing the proceeds of crime generated through them.

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