Ravi Uppal, a key figure in the Rs. 6,000-crore Mahadev betting app scandal, has reportedly vanished and is suspected to have fled the UAE, according to recent media reports. Uppal co-founded Mahadev Online Book alongside Saurabh Chandrakar. He was detained in the UAE in December 2023 but was released 45 days later. Despite being under surveillance due to extradition proceedings, authorities now report that his whereabouts are unknown. This development has raised significant concern among the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), both of which are actively investigating the case.
In October 2024, Chandrakar was also arrested in the UAE following an Interpol Red Notice, but obtained bail shortly thereafter. The Mahadev betting app scam came to light during the Congress government’s tenure in Chhattisgarh, under Bhupesh Baghel, and gained national exposure when the ED alleged connections between high-ranking politicians, bureaucrats, and the illegal betting network.
The ED is exploring the money laundering aspects of the case, while the CBI has taken over the criminal investigation from Chhattisgarh Police, with a First Information Report naming Uppal, Chandrakar, and several other associates as accused. As per the ED, the Mahadev app functioned as an “umbrella syndicate,” overseeing multiple online betting platforms that facilitated user registrations, ID creations, and substantial fund transfers through a complex web of fake and benami bank accounts.
Launched in 2018, the Mahadev Online Book app rapidly emerged as one of India’s largest illegal betting operations, reportedly generating around Rs. 200 crore in daily profits, according to investigators. The network involved was valued at Rs. 6,000 crore and operated more than 3,200 betting panels throughout India, with daily betting often exceeding Rs. 240 crore.
Additionally, this syndicate managed an extensive global operation, employing over 3,500 individuals in Dubai, while numerous call centers facilitated betting operations from Chhattisgarh, Malaysia, and Thailand. Chandrakar and Uppal allegedly fostered strong connections with law enforcement officials, bureaucrats, and politicians, utilizing regular payoffs to shield their activities from scrutiny.
The case brought political repercussions, particularly for former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who was seeking re-election at the time. The ED accused him of accepting Rs. 508 crore, though Baghel has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Original Source: https://www.india.com/news/world/rs-60000000000-mahadev-betting-app-mastermind-main-accused-ravi-uppal-goes-missing-suspected-to-have-fled-uae-probe-agencies-on-alert-co-promoter-sourabh-chandrakar-8165761/
Category: World,Mahadev betting app scam
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-11-04 14:50:00
