Nagpur, November 15, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has raided the residence of a cricket bookie in Nagpur’s Ravi Nagar area as part of its investigation into the multi-crore Mahadev online betting racket. The search was part of a nationwide crackdown covering 33 locations across six states.
The house was allegedly linked to an individual who worked as a panel operator for the Mahadev betting platform. He reportedly played a key role in collecting money from people in Nagpur who invested in or financed betting operations.
How the Mahadev Betting Panel Network Operated
According to findings from an earlier Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation, the Mahadev betting platform operated through a franchise-like panel system. The promoters allegedly sold betting panels to associates, who managed their own network of customers and employees.
Each panel generally had an owner and around four employees, while a single individual could operate multiple panels.
Panel operators were responsible for:
Creating customer accounts and issuing betting IDs.
Collecting deposits and crediting betting points.
Managing withdrawals and payouts.
Routing betting proceeds through third-party bank accounts and hawala channels.
Customers were allegedly instructed to deposit money into bank accounts belonging to other individuals. These accounts were either fraudulently opened or hired in exchange for commissions.
20% Profit Share for Panel Operators
An ED investigation in August 2023 indicated that panel operators received approximately 20% of the profits, with the remaining share going to the head office. Another ED statement referred to a 70:30 profit-sharing arrangement between the head office and franchise panels.
Investigators suspect that the betting proceeds were routed through multiple bank accounts and hawala networks, with the possibility that funds were also transferred overseas.
Documents and Digital Evidence Seized
During the Ravi Nagar search, the CBI team reportedly recovered several incriminating documents and digital evidence. Investigators are examining the seized material to identify other individuals from Nagpur who may have been connected to the betting network.
The agency is also investigating the panel operator’s financial transactions, investments and alleged links with other members of the network.
The CBI has registered two FIRs in the alleged Rs 6,000-crore betting scam. According to the agency, the platform was operated from abroad through a network of panel operators in India.
The latest searches reportedly followed disclosures made by Mahadev betting promoter Sourabh Chandrakar after his extradition from Oman. The CBI has also stated that live betting panels were identified and dismantled at several locations.
The investigation is ongoing.
