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Last Updated:November 04, 2025, 09:00 IST
The app, despite multiple bans, continues to operate illegally across India, allegedly allowing users to place bets on poker, cricket, tennis, football, and even elections
Mahadev online betting app logo. (Pic: Instagram/@mahadevbookofficial)
Ravi Uppal, co-founder of the Mahadev Online Book App, who, along with Saurabh Chandrakar, allegedly built an illegal betting network worth several thousand crore rupees, has fled from Dubai to an unknown location after being arrested there in December 2023 on an Interpol Red Notice, officials confirmed.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Uppal’s disappearance is a major setback for Indian investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Chhattisgarh Police, which were pursuing his and Chandrakar’s extradition from the UAE.
A senior government official told Hindustan Times that authorities had received information through formal channels confirming that Ravi Uppal had left the UAE for an unknown location. “Dubai has not provided any information on his exit route or destination, even though the Red Notice against him remains active," the official said, adding that “the UAE has also proposed closing the extradition proceedings against Ravi Uppal."
Uppal, in his late 40s, and his partner Chandrakar are accused of running a ₹6,000-crore online betting syndicate that began in 2018 under the Mahadev brand.
The app, despite multiple bans, continues to operate illegally across India, allegedly allowing users to place bets on poker, cricket, tennis, football, and even elections.
In its charge sheets, the ED said the “betting empire" operated at least 3,200 panels across Indian cities, generating around ₹240 crore daily.
The promoters reportedly rented 20 villas in Dubai to house 3,500 employees managing the network. Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has also been named as an accused in the probe.
Uppal was arrested in Dubai in December 2023 following an Interpol notice issued in October that year. The ED subsequently sent an extradition request to the UAE on January 16, 2024. However, UAE authorities released him within 45 days, though he remained under surveillance due to the ongoing extradition process.
Chandrakar, arrested in Dubai in October 2024 and placed under house arrest, also faces an active extradition request from India. The ED launched fugitive economic offender (FEO) proceedings against both men in October 2024, which remain pending before a court in Raipur.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...
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First Published:
November 04, 2025, 08:57 IST
News india Mahadev App Co-Founder Ravi Uppal Flees Dubai After Arrest, Whereabouts Unknown: Report
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