MUSCAT : Chandrakar, who is wanted in India in connection with a major financial crime investigation, was detained by the Royal Oman Police several weeks ago, according to officials cited by Indian authorities. India has initiated steps seeking his extradition.

Indian investigators allege that Chandrakar was a key figure behind a Mahadev online betting network estimated to involve proceeds of around ₹6,000 crore ($720 million). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has described the operation as a large-scale international betting syndicate allegedly linked to multiple online betting platforms.

Reports indicate that Chandrakar was detained after Indian agencies issued an Interpol Red Notice through the Enforcement Directorate and Chhattisgarh Police.

The Mahadev case has been under investigation in India for several years, with authorities alleging that the network operated through multiple online platforms and a franchise-based system of betting panels and branches. The ED has filed multiple charge sheets and arrested several individuals as part of the probe.

Indian authorities have previously reported attaching assets worth around ₹1,700 crore linked to Chandrakar and associated entities, including properties in Dubai.

Chandrakar was earlier detained in the United Arab Emirates in 2024 following an Interpol Red Notice but was later released after extradition proceedings did not move forward. Indian officials said his request to withdraw the Red Notice was subsequently rejected by Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Files.

India is now pursuing extradition or deportation options from Oman, with officials expressing confidence in cooperation between the two countries based on their longstanding bilateral ties.

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