CBI arrests Mahadev betting app kingpin Abhishek Kumar as he returns to Hyderabad
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Abhishek Kumar, one of the kingpins and wanted accused in the Mahadev Online Betting App case. He was arrested immediately after arriving from Dubai at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Thursday.
According to the investigation, Abhishek Kumar played an active role in running online betting and gambling operations under Mahadev Book. He was also involved in coordinating betting panels, collecting funds and acquiring immovable assets in Dubai using the proceeds of the illegal betting and gambling operations.
The CBI said incriminating material was recovered and seized from his possession during a search conducted immediately after his arrest. The agency said the material prima facie indicates his active role in the operation of the Mahadev Betting App.LINKED TO MAHADEV APP'S MAIN ACCUSED
The investigation has also revealed that Abhishek Kumar worked closely with other main accused in the case, including Saurabh Chandrakar and Shubham Soni.
After his arrest, Kumar was produced before a local court in Hyderabad, which granted the CBI three days of transit remand. He was subsequently taken to Raipur and produced before a court there, which granted two days of police custody remand.CBI HAS FILED 8 CHARGESHEETS AGAINST 100 ACCUSED
The Chhattisgarh government had earlier transferred 13 FIRs registered at different police stations in the state in connection with the Mahadev Betting App to the CBI. The central agency subsequently took over the cases.
So far, the CBI has filed eight chargesheets against 100 accused persons in the case. Those chargesheeted include the main promoters of the Mahadev Betting App, panel operators, hawala operators and public servants of the Chhattisgarh government.
The investigation is continuing to trace other accused who remain absconding.EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO BRING MAIN PROMOTERS BACK TO INDIA
The CBI said efforts are also underway to bring the main promoters of the Mahadev Betting App back to India to face trial.
So far, seven Red Corner Notices and two extradition proposals have been sent in connection with the case. Extradition proceedings against two accused are currently underway.
The CBI said it remains committed to bringing those involved in the illegal betting operations to justice and tracing the proceeds of crime generated through them.- Ends
Divyesh Singh is one of the leading crime journalists in the country. A seasoned investigative journalist with experience of over 15 years in journalism covering Crime, Internal security, Defence, Central Agencies, and Rural issues, he has a number of exclusive breaks and investigative stories to his name. Presently working with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Aajtak / India Today based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Some of his stories to recall are 'Confessions of members from radical organisation in a bomb blast case in which they had been acquitted, Fodder scam in drought affected areas of Maharashtra, Crypto currency scam worth hundreds of crores ,Financial scam targeting US citizens, Black-marketing of life saving Covid19 drugs'. Many such investigations have been appreciated by law enforcement agencies and he has been awarded and appreciated twice by the Maharashtra police for helping the agency crack two serious cases, one a financial scam worth crores and another a double murder case. His coverage in the actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case brought to light the facts in the case, while reported a series of exclusives in the Yes Bank DHFL case and Iqbal Mirchi case on India Today / Aajtak. His coverage on crime underworld and narcotics has been extensive and indepth.
