Rs2 billion wedding exposes India’s massive betting network

India’s alleged Rs900 trillion online betting scandal has taken a major turn after its alleged mastermind, Saurabh Chandrakar, was arrested in Oman and transferred to India following the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice.

The case involves allegations of money laundering, illegal online betting and links with Indian politicians, government officials and an extensive hawala network. The betting operation was reportedly run from Dubai and expanded across India through thousands of local outlets.

According to an Indian media investigation, Chandrakar was arrested by Omani police after Interpol issued a Red Notice against him. A team from India’s central investigative agency subsequently brought him back to the country. He is expected to undergo a medical examination before being produced before a special court in Raipur.

Investigators allege that Chandrakar and his associate Ravi Uppal began expanding their online betting business in 2019. The operation grew significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, after which the two moved to Dubai and allegedly ran the network through more than 3,200 panels and branches across India.

Local operators reportedly provided betting accounts to customers and transferred 70 to 80 per cent of the betting proceeds to the network’s central office in Dubai.

According to investigative estimates, the Mahadev network, Sky Exchange and Lotus 365 collectively generated transactions worth between Rs880 billion and Rs940 billion. Around Rs40 billion to Rs50 billion was allegedly transferred abroad.

Investigators believe the operators used fake bank accounts, shell companies and hawala channels to conceal the money trail and move funds overseas.

The investigation gained significant attention following Chandrakar’s lavish wedding in Ras Al Khaimah in February 2023. The event reportedly cost around Rs2 billion and became a major lead for investigators.

Guests were flown in on private aircraft, while prominent entertainers performed at the celebrations. Investigators claim that Rs1.12 billion was transferred through hawala channels to arrange the wedding, while another Rs420 million was spent in cash on hotel bookings.

The investigating agency has also obtained documents related to the wedding expenses.

Several individuals, including Ravi Uppal, Shubham Soni, Vikas Chhaparia and Harishankar Tibrewal, have emerged during the investigation. They are accused of helping transfer betting proceeds abroad, investing through shell companies and concealing financial transactions.

Indian media reports also say that Vikas Garg, associated with US-based company Ebix, has been arrested in connection with the case.

Allegations of political patronage have added another sensitive dimension to the scandal.

According to investigators, accused Shubham Soni claimed that Rs5.08 billion from betting proceeds was delivered to former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. Another accused reportedly claimed that Rs810 million was distributed among politicians, police officers and other individuals.

The allegations have not, by themselves, established the involvement of the individuals named.

Between August 2023 and July 2026, investigators reportedly conducted raids at around 190 locations and seized or froze assets worth Rs20.14 billion.

Authorities have also identified 22 properties in Dubai valued at approximately Rs15 billion. Six charge sheets have reportedly been filed against 116 accused, while 14 people have been arrested in the case.

Chandrakar’s transfer to India is being viewed as a significant development in the investigation. Authorities are now expected to question him about the alleged movement of billions of rupees and identify those who benefited from the betting operation.

Investigators are also seeking to establish whether influential political and administrative figures provided protection to the network.