Punjab Newsline | Amritsar
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered crucial leads about a nationwide betting network allegedly linked to the Mahadev Betting App. Acting on the information, the investigation agency conducted simultaneous raids at 33 locations across 13 cities in six states and Delhi, including Amritsar.
During the searches, CBI teams found several active online betting and gambling panels operating at different locations. The agency shut down these panels and seized mobile phones, laptops, other digital devices and important documents.
The investigation has now expanded beyond panel operators to focus on financial transactions, the movement of betting proceeds and the network's alleged international connections.
The latest action follows the arrest of Saurabh Chandrakar, one of the main accused in the Mahadev Betting App case. He was arrested after being extradited from Oman on November 1, 2026. Following his arrest, the CBI questioned him and reportedly obtained crucial information about betting panels operating across the country, their operators and the financial transactions linked to them.
Based on these inputs, separate CBI teams launched coordinated search operations at 33 locations across multiple cities.
Mule Bank Accounts Used to Route Betting Money
The investigation has revealed that mule bank accounts were allegedly used to conceal and transfer money generated through the betting business. These accounts were either opened in the names of other individuals or obtained on rent to facilitate financial transactions.
According to the investigation, panel operators managed user IDs through which customers placed bets on online platforms. The money generated through betting was deposited into different bank accounts before allegedly being transferred abroad through hawala channels.
The CBI is now examining the seized mobile phones, laptops, digital devices and banking documents to trace the complete money trail and identify all individuals involved in the network.
The agency is also focusing on establishing the links between betting panel operators, financial intermediaries and suspected overseas connections as part of its wider investigation.
