CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: Court Sets Strict Safeguards for Saurabh’s ED Questioning; ₹94,000 Crore Betting Proceeds Under Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has secured seven days of custody of Saurabh Chandrakar, a key promoter of the Mahadev Online Book illegal betting syndicate, in connection with a money laundering investigation. A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur has permitted the agency to question him until November 19, while laying down specific safeguards to protect his rights during interrogation.
According to the court’s directions, questioning must be conducted between 10 am and 5 pm. Investigating officers have been directed not to subject Chandrakar to physical assault, harassment or torture. He must undergo medical examinations after being taken into custody and again before being produced before the court at the end of the remand period.
His lawyer has been permitted to remain within visible distance during questioning. Family members and his lawyer can also meet him for 30 minutes every day, between 5 pm and 5.30 pm.
₹94,000 Crore in Suspected Betting Proceeds
The ED is investigating the alleged financial network behind the Mahadev betting platform. The agency has estimated that proceeds linked to the app and associated platforms could be around ₹94,000 crore, of which approximately ₹4,000–5,000 crore is alleged to have been transferred to the promoters.
Investigators suspect that the platform operated through a Dubai-based network of betting panels across India and the UAE. Money collected from users was allegedly routed through bank accounts held in other people’s names and transferred abroad through hawala channels.
Investigation Expands Across Six States
Separately, the CBI has conducted searches at 33 locations across six states based on disclosures made by Chandrakar during questioning. The agency said it found live betting panels and seized digital devices, mobile phones and documents. It is examining the alleged use of mule bank accounts and hawala networks.
The ED is also analysing digital evidence, statements of associates and documents relating to foreign entities to establish the alleged money trail. The investigation is continuing, and the allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
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