CBI Arrests Mahadev Book Figure After Dubai Flight
India’s CBI has arrested Abhishek Kumar after he arrived in Hyderabad from Dubai. The agency alleges that Kumar helped run Mahadev Book betting operations, coordinated betting panels and collected funds.
Kumar was detained at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on September 24. Telangana Today reported that officers seized material which the CBI says links him to Mahadev Betting App operations.
Material was seized during a search after the arrest. According to the agency, it provides initial evidence of Kumar’s involvement in Mahadev Betting App operations.
CBI also says he worked closely with Saurabh Chandrakar and Shubham Soni, who are among the main accused in the case.
Two Days in CBI Custody
Kumar was first produced before a court in Hyderabad. The court granted three days of transit remand for his transfer to Chhattisgarh. He was then taken to Raipur, where CBI received two days of police custody.
The arrest gives investigators custody of a figure they place close to the day-to-day betting side of Mahadev Book.
CBI’s description of Kumar covers several jobs. It says he was involved in operating online betting, organising panels and collecting money. The Dubai property allegation adds another part of the case.
No details of the properties were disclosed in the agency’s announcement.
100 Accused Across Eight Chargesheets
CBI took over 13 FIRs connected with Mahadev Betting App from the Chhattisgarh government. Since then, it has filed eight chargesheets covering 100 accused. The list includes promoters, betting panel operators, hawala operators and Chhattisgarh government employees.
Part of the investigation remains outside India. The agency says it has sent seven Red Corner Notices and two extradition proposals. Extradition proceedings are underway against two accused.
Separate From the Pitti Case
The latest arrest is a different branch of the Mahadev investigation from the case involving EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti covered by 15M earlier this week. That filing concerned an alleged route for Skyexchange betting proceeds into Indian listed shares. Kumar is instead accused of working directly with Mahadev Book operations, betting panels and fund collection.
CBI says its investigation into other absconding accused is continuing.