CBI arrest of Abhishek Kumar marks fresh breakthrough in Mahadev betting app probe
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Abhishek Kumar, considered one of the main suspects in the Mahadev Online Betting App case, right after he arrived from Dubai at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on 24 September 2026. This arrest marks a major step forward in a long-running investigation into what authorities call one of India’s biggest illegal online betting groups. Investigators believe Kumar was actively involved in running betting and gambling operations for Mahadev Book. He is accused of coordinating betting panels, collecting money for the network, and helping buy property in Dubai with money from illegal gambling.
Right after his arrest, a search turned up evidence that the CBI says shows Kumar worked closely with the main accused, Saurabh Chandrakar and Shubham Soni. After his arrest, police brought Kumar before a local court in Hyderabad, which gave them three days to transfer him. Police then took him to Raipur, where another court ordered two more days of custody for further questioning.
The case itself has a long history. Mahadev Online Book. This case has been going on for years. Mahadev Online Book started around 2018 and was reportedly set up by Saurabh Chandrakar, who used to sell juice in Bhilai, and his associate Ravi Uppal, both from Chhattisgarh. They ran most operations from Dubai and built a franchise-like network of branches, called panels, across India. Panel operators kept part of the profits, while the main promoters managed the platforms, user accounts, payments, and overseas transfers.
They also ran Telegram groups and offered betting on cricket, other sports and casino-style games via linked platforms such as Skyexchange, Tiger Exchange, Gold365 and Laser247. Enforcement Directorate (ED) findings have placed the scale of alleged proceeds of crime in the tens of thousands of crores over several years, with thousands of active panels at peak.
The money was reportedly moved through fake bank accounts, hawala networks, and foreign companies before being invested in luxury properties in Dubai, such as expensive apartments and villas. Some of the money was also said to be paid as protection money to public officials.
The Chhattisgarh government handed over 13 police cases from different stations in the state to the CBI. So far, the agency has filed eight chargesheets against 100 people. The list includes the main promoters, panel operators, hawala operators, and some public servants from Chhattisgarh. The investigation is still ongoing to find those who are still missing.
The CBI has issued seven Red Corner Notices and sent two extradition requests. Extradition is already in progress for two suspects. Chandrakar was recently detained overseas, while Uppal is still on the run. The agency says it is still working to bring the main promoters back to India for trial. With Kumar’s arrest, investigators say they have caught a key figure involved in panel coordination, cash collection, and buying assets abroad.
While in police custody in Raipur, the focus will be on tracking Kumar’s communications with Chandrakar and Soni, finding more assets, and following the trail of betting money. The CBI has repeated its promise to prosecute everyone involved in the illegal operations and to find and seize the illegal earnings, the CBI spokesperson said.
