New Delhi, Sept. 24 -- The CBI has arrested Abhishek Kumar, an alleged kingpin and wanted accused in the Mahadev Online Betting App case, after he arrived from Dubai at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, the agency said on Thursday.
According to the CBI, its investigation has found that Kumar was allegedly involved in operating betting and gambling services through Mahadev Book, arranging betting panels, raising funds and purchasing immovable properties in Dubai with proceeds from the illegal activities.
The agency said incriminating material recovered from Kumar indicated his alleged links with the betting network and other key accused, including Saurabh Chandrakar and Shubham Soni.
Kumar was first produced before a court in Hyderabad, which granted the CBI three-day transit remand. He was subsequently taken to Raipur and produced before the competent court, which granted him two-day police custody.
The Chhattisgarh government had transferred 13 FIRs registered at various police stations in the state in connection with the case to the CBI, which took over their investigation.
The agency has so far filed eight chargesheets naming 100 accused, including alleged promoters of the betting application, betting panel operators, hawala operators and public servants. Further investigation is underway to identify other accused persons allegedly involved in the network who remain absconding.
The CBI is also pursuing efforts to bring alleged main promoters of the betting application in India to face trial. It has issued seven Red Corner Notices and submitted two extradition proposals, while extradition proceedings are underway against two accused.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.