Mahadev betting app: how kingpin Sourabh Chadrakar generated ₹450 crore monthly | EJ Explain

Sourabh Chandrakar, a central figure in the Mahadev betting app case, has been reportedly detained and is currently under house arrest in Dubai for a multi-crore money laundering case.

Originally from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, Chandrakar's journey, as detailed extensively in the 8,887-page chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate, notes his transition from stealing at his brother Gitesh's shop - Mahadev Juice Corner, to making a scheme that reportedly siphoned hundreds of crores through an online betting app.

Having faced significant losses in online gambling in 2018, Chandrakar who as per the initial investigation is addicted to online betting left for Dubai in 2019 with his friend Ravi Uppal. The duo engaged in odd jobs there, to finance the launch of the Mahadev Book App in 2020 which was reportedly developed by Indian and European coders. The app facilitated betting on cricket, poker, football, election results, etc through panels. He began his business with just two panels in Dubai and Hyderabad which gradually expanded to 20 and during the pandemic, he opened 2,000 centers globally.

According to the chargesheet, Chandrakar's app currently boasts over 3,000 active panels, generating weekly earnings of Rs 8-10 lakh per panel, monthly earnings of Rs 30-40 lakh, and an overall monthly revenue of Rs 450 crores.

Chandrakar's extravagant Rs 250 crore wedding in the UAE in February which was attended by celebrities like Neha Kakkar, Tiger Shroff, and Sunny Leone grabbed eyeballs. ED began its investigation after the lavish event raised suspicions. Bollywood figures connected to the app faced summons regarding their involvement, turning the investigation into a scandal.