Mahadev betting app key accused flees UAE, currently 'missing': Reports
What's the story
Ravi Uppal, one of the two key accused in the Mahadev online betting app case, is suspected to have fled the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was arrested by Dubai authorities in December 2023 based on an Interpol Red Corner Notice, but he was released 45 days later pending extradition proceedings. Sources told NDTV that India has been informed of Uppal's departure from the UAE. However, no further information about his current location or destination has been shared.
Extradition delay
UAE rejected India's request to extradite Uppal
The sources also said a proposal to suspend the extradition process was made instead. Unofficially, the UAE has rejected India's request to bring Uppal back due to delays in receiving certain documents, according to NDTV. However, sources from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) told the news channel that all necessary documents were submitted on time.
Document dispute
ED investigating both Uppal and his accomplice
The ED is investigating both Uppal and his accomplice, Sourabh Chandrakar, who remains in Dubai authorities' custody. Chandrakar was arrested in December 2024 and placed under house arrest while India sought his extradition too. Per reports, Uppal and Chandrakar had links with police, bureaucrats, and politicians. The case also implicated senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, who was campaigning for re-election at the time. Baghel has been accused of receiving ₹508 crore, but he denied any involvement in this matter.
Betting scandal
Mahadev app's massive betting network
The Mahadev app, launched in 2018, was at the center of a massive betting network with daily profits of ₹200 crore. The network involved ₹6,000 crore in bets through 3,200 panels across India. Daily bets often crossed ₹240 crore, with around 3,500 people involved in Dubai operations and call centers functioning from various cities, including Chhattisgarh (India), Malaysia and Thailand.
Raids
ED has conducted over 170 raids
According to the ED, funds generated were funnelled into the Indian stock market via foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) based in Mauritius and Dubai. These funds were reportedly utilized to fraudulently inflate the stock prices of some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mislead retail investors. So far, the ED has conducted over 170 raids in relation to the case and attached assets worth more than ₹3,000 crore.