Updated on: Nov 04, 2025 | New Delhi

Ravi Uppal, co-founder of the controversial Mahadev Online Betting App, has reportedly fled the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is currently untraceable, dealing a significant blow to Indian authorities pursuing his extradition. Uppal, along with his associate Sourabh Chandrakar, had allegedly built a multi-thousand crore illegal betting empire that continues to operate across India despite government bans on platforms linked to Mahadev.

Arrest and Extradition Proceedings

Uppal was initially arrested in Dubai in December 2023, following an Interpol red notice issued in October 2023. The arrest came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Chhattisgarh police lodged formal extradition requests to bring Uppal back to India to face multiple charges related to illegal betting and financial fraud.

Despite his arrest, Uppal was released by the UAE authorities within 45 days but remained under surveillance as extradition proceedings continued. However, Indian officials have now confirmed that Uppal has fled the country to an unknown location, with the UAE authorities not providing information on his exit route or destination. Reports indicate that the UAE has proposed closing the extradition proceedings against him, leaving Indian authorities scrambling to trace him.

A senior government officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We have been informed through formal channels that Ravi Uppal has left the UAE. Dubai has not provided any information on his exit route or destination, even though the red notice against him remains active. The UAE has also proposed closing the extradition proceedings.”

The Scale of the Mahadev Betting Empire

Uppal and Chandrakar launched the Mahadev online betting app syndicate in 2018, which allows users across India to place illegal bets on poker, card games, cricket, football, tennis, badminton, and even election outcomes. According to the ED, the empire operated at least 3,200 betting panels in multiple cities, generating approximately ₹240 crore per day.

The promoters had allegedly rented 20 villas in Dubai to house their 3,500-strong staff and ran operations that bypassed Indian law despite multiple bans. High-profile names, including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, have been implicated in the ongoing investigation.

Chandrakar’s Status and FEO Proceedings

Sourabh Chandrakar, Uppal’s partner, was arrested in Dubai in October 2024 and placed under house arrest. While his extradition request remains pending, the ED has also initiated fugitive economic offender (FEO) proceedings against both Uppal and Chandrakar, which are ongoing in a Raipur court since October 2024.

Citizenship and International Travel

Financial crime authorities revealed in 2024 that Uppal and Chandrakar had obtained Vanuatu passports, potentially giving them the ability to evade international law enforcement. Vanuatu is a South Pacific island chain often linked with economic citizenship schemes. It remains unclear whether Uppal has fled there; Chandrakar is reportedly still in the UAE.

One official clarified that “the UAE chose not to pursue extradition, claiming the request was not received in time, which is inaccurate. Extradition documents were sent through proper formal channels within the stipulated timeframe. Even if Uppal was released, re-arrest and extradition remain possible once the request is properly received.”

Diplomatic Concerns

India’s authorities have raised concerns about the UAE’s lack of transparency and cooperation, emphasizing that not informing India about Uppal’s departure violates the spirit of mutual legal assistance under the India-UAE extradition treaty. Officials have requested the Ministry of External Affairs to take up the matter at the highest diplomatic level to ensure accountability.

A second government officer remarked: “The UAE’s decision to close extradition proceedings and not share Uppal’s exit route reflects poorly on international cooperation in tackling financial crimes. We have conveyed our concerns to Delhi authorities and are seeking action at the diplomatic level.”

Implications for India

Uppal’s escape is a major setback for Indian law enforcement agencies, particularly the ED and CBI, which were banking on his extradition to dismantle the ₹6,000 crore illegal betting network. The empire continues to operate online, exploiting gaps in enforcement and international coordination.

Despite the setback, authorities maintain that interpol notices remain active, and both Uppal and Chandrakar are under the radar of the ED. The ongoing FEO proceedings in Raipur also mean that even if Uppal is traced internationally, he could still face severe legal consequences in India.

The case has drawn national attention due to the scale of financial fraud, the alleged political connections, and the cross-border dimension of the operation. Law enforcement agencies are likely to intensify international coordination to locate Uppal and ensure that justice is served.