Ravi Uppal "Missing": Key Accused in Multi-Crore Mahadev Betting App Case Disappears from UAE Custody

Mahadev betting app case accused Ravi Uppal (File).

New Delhi:

Ravi Uppal, one of the two primary accused in the multi-crore Mahadev online betting app case, was arrested by Dubai authorities in December 2023 following an Interpol Red Corner Notice. Initially expected to be deported to India, Uppal was released after 45 days but remained under surveillance pending extradition proceedings.

Fast forward to November 2025, and the situation has taken a concerning turn. Not only is Uppal not in Indian custody, but he is reportedly 'missing,' with his extradition process now 'put on hold.'

Sources revealed to NDTV that Indian authorities have been informed that Uppal has departed from the United Arab Emirates to an undisclosed location. No additional intelligence regarding his whereabouts or destination has been provided, except for a proposal to suspend the extradition process.

NDTV understands that the UAE has unofficially declined India's request to extradite Uppal, citing that certain required documents were not received within the stipulated timeframe. However, Enforcement Directorate sources firmly maintain that all necessary documentation was submitted punctually.

Regardless of these contradictory claims, Uppal's disappearance represents a significant setback for the Enforcement Directorate, which is investigating both him and his accomplice, Sourabh Chandrakar, who currently remains in Dubai authorities' custody.

Chandrakar was apprehended in December 2024 and placed under house arrest. Despite India's request for his extradition as well, sources indicate that no progress has been made since then.

Where Is Ravi Uppal, Mahadev Betting App Accused

Uppal holds citizenship from Vanuatu, a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. The capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila, is situated approximately 2,000 kilometers from Australia, the nearest major country.

Sources informed NDTV that both Uppal and Chandrakar, who reportedly also possesses Vanuatuan citizenship, have purchased properties on these islands, potentially with the intention of expanding their criminal operations.

Significantly, Vanuatu does not maintain an extradition treaty with India.

Interestingly, in March, the Vanuatu government cancelled a passport previously issued to fugitive businessman Lalit Modi, who is wanted in India for alleged financial improprieties. The Vanuatu administration explicitly stated that 'escaping extradition' does not constitute a legitimate reason for seeking citizenship in their country.

The Mahadev Betting App Case

Established in 2018, the Mahadev betting app reportedly generated daily profits of approximately Rs 200 crore. The operation centered around a Rs 6,000 crore betting network that functioned via 3,200 panels distributed throughout India. According to sources who spoke to NDTV, daily bets frequently exceeded Rs 240 crore.

The operation involved approximately 3,500 individuals in its Dubai operations, while call centers were operated from various cities in Chhattisgarh, India, as well as locations in Malaysia and Thailand.

Chandrakar and Uppal allegedly maintained connections with police officials, bureaucrats, and politicians, making regular payments to ensure the app remained undetected by investigating agencies.

When the case was exposed two years ago, it implicated senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, who was campaigning for re-election at the time. He has been accused of receiving Rs 508 crore in connection with the operation.

Baghel has categorically denied any involvement in this matter.