Mahadev Betting App Promoter Ravi Uppal Arrested in UAE; India Moves to Secure Extradition

Ravi Uppal, co-promoter of the Mahadev online betting app, has reportedly been arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as Indian investigating agencies step up efforts to bring him back to India. The 46-year-old was taken into custody on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of Indian agencies, according to officials cited by news organisations on November 4 and 5, 2026. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are coordinating efforts to secure his extradition.

The development comes just days after Uppal’s alleged business partner and fellow promoter, Saurabh Chandrakar, was extradited from Oman to India on November 1. Both men are key accused in the investigation into the Mahadev Online Book betting network, which allegedly operated through a large system of online betting panels and intermediaries. However, the UAE has not yet publicly confirmed Uppal’s arrest through an official communication to Indian authorities, according to a Hindustan Times report. The extradition process is therefore a separate step that remains to be completed.

Who Is Ravi Uppal and What Is His Role in the Mahadev Betting Case?

Ravi Uppal is one of the two principal promoters associated with the Mahadev online betting platform, alongside Saurabh Chandrakar. Both are from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district.

Investigating agencies allege that the duo operated a betting network from outside India, using a system of franchised panels and local operators to facilitate betting on cricket, football and other events.

The platform, also known as Mahadev Online Book, reportedly began operations in 2019–20. Its user base expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to details shared by investigating agencies.

The alleged network was not limited to a single website or application. Investigators have described a system involving thousands of panels, agents, call centres, payment channels and associated operators.

Uppal has been named in the ED’s investigation and was charge-sheeted in October 2023. The agency has alleged that he was involved in generating, handling and concealing proceeds of crime. These are allegations in an ongoing investigation and have not, by themselves, established criminal guilt.

Why Was Ravi Uppal Arrested in Dubai?

According to officials cited by PTI and several news organisations, Dubai authorities arrested Uppal on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice issued following requests from Indian investigating agencies.

An Interpol Red Notice is a request to law-enforcement authorities worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition or similar legal action. It is not an international arrest warrant and does not itself establish guilt.

India’s CBI and ED are now working to secure Uppal’s return so that he can face proceedings and questioning in the cases registered against him.

There is an important complication, however. Hindustan Times and NDTV reported that Indian agencies had initially received information about the arrest through unofficial channels and that formal communication from the UAE authorities had not yet been received. The reported detention should therefore be distinguished from a completed extradition or a confirmed handover to India.

Uppal Was Previously Detained in the UAE in 2023

This is not the first time Uppal has been detained by authorities in the UAE.

He was reportedly detained in Dubai in December 2023 following the Interpol notice. However, he was released after approximately 45 days. Indian agencies subsequently believed he had moved to Australia and later to Vanuatu, according to media reports.

Investigators have also alleged that Uppal and Chandrakar obtained passports from Vanuatu, a South Pacific island nation, after leaving India.

Their reported overseas movements have complicated efforts to secure their presence in India. The latest arrest, if formally confirmed and followed by extradition, could provide Indian agencies with an opportunity to question Uppal directly about the alleged betting network and its financial operations.

Saurabh Chandrakar’s Extradition From Oman

Uppal’s reported arrest follows a significant development involving his fellow promoter.

A CBI team brought Saurabh Chandrakar back to India from Oman on November 1, 2026, after authorities there permitted his extradition in connection with the money-laundering investigation.

Chandrakar was subsequently produced before a special court in Raipur. On November 4, the court granted the CBI eight days of custody for investigation.

The CBI has alleged that Chandrakar and Uppal were central figures in operating the betting network, with Dubai serving as an important base for its activities.

The extradition of Chandrakar and the reported arrest of Uppal within a few days of each other could help investigators examine the alleged organisation’s structure, financial transactions and overseas operations.