New Delhi, September 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Abhishek Kumar, described by the agency as one of the kingpins and a wanted accused in the Mahadev online betting app case.
According to the CBI, Kumar was taken into custody after arriving from Dubai at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.
The agency said its investigation found that Kumar was actively involved in running online betting and gambling operations under Mahadev Book, coordinating betting panels, collecting funds and acquiring immovable assets in Dubai from alleged betting and gambling proceeds.
The CBI said incriminating material recovered during a search conducted after his arrest prima facie indicated his role in operating the Mahadev betting app. According to the agency, Kumar worked closely with other key accused, including Saurabh Chandrakar and Shubham Soni.
Following his arrest, Kumar was produced before a local court in Hyderabad, which granted three days’ transit remand. He was subsequently taken to Raipur and produced before a court there, which granted two days’ police custody remand.
The Chhattisgarh government had transferred 13 FIRs registered at different police stations in the state in connection with the Mahadev betting app to the CBI.
The agency said it has so far filed eight chargesheets against 100 accused persons, including the app’s main promoters, panel operators, hawala operators and public servants of the Chhattisgarh government.
The CBI said further investigation is underway to trace other absconding accused. Efforts are also being made to bring the main promoters of the Mahadev betting app back to India to face trial.
So far, the agency has issued seven Red Corner Notices and sent two extradition proposals, while extradition proceedings against two accused are underway, it said.
The CBI said it remains focused on bringing those allegedly involved in the illegal betting operations to justice and tracing the proceeds of crime generated through the activities.
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