• An Indian operative allegedly posing as a Westerner continues to spread right-wing propaganda amid serious allegations. Also exposed as a key player in a $680M money-laundering scheme.
• Chandrakar‘a case underscores concerns over India’s leading role in global misinformation, as highlighted in the 2024 Global Risk Report.
The architect behind the right-wing X account ‘Inevitable West’ has been unmasked as an alleged Indian crypto fraudster and political opportunist after a significant misstep.
Saurabh Chandrakar, reportedly linked to the notorious Mahadev betting app, inadvertently exposed his identity by promoting the app on his primary social media account. This blunder triggered a wave of online scrutiny, ultimately revealing his alleged involvement in a vast money-laundering network tied to the app.
Indian media outlets report that Chandrakar is currently under house arrest in Dubai, following his detention on an Interpol-issued Red Notice. The Indian Enforcement Directorate (ED) is actively pursuing his extradition on charges of money laundering, with illicit proceeds estimated at ₹6,000 crore (approximately $680 million). The investigation has grown increasingly intricate, with connections to prominent political figures and bureaucrats in Chhattisgarh. Thus far, 11 arrests have been made, and two charge sheets have been filed.
Chandrakar’s connection to the Mahadev app has placed him at the centre of a widening scandal. Alongside his business partner, Ravi Uppal, he allegedly operated the app as part of a broader scheme that defrauded thousands. The scale of the operation drew heightened attention after reports surfaced of Chandrakar’s opulent wedding in Dubai.
In parallel with his business activities, Chandrakar achieved prominence on social media under the alias ‘Inevitable West.’ His account quickly gained traction on X, with speculation that endorsements from high-profile figures, including Elon Musk, contributed to its meteoric rise in followers.
Despite mounting allegations, ‘@Inevitablewest’ continues to disseminate right-wing content, often blocking users who criticise the account or connect it to the Mahadev scam.
As of now, the account boasts over 200,000 followers but has remained silent on the swirling controversy.
According to experts surveyed for the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risk Report, India was ranked highest for the risk of misinformation and disinformation.
Joyojeet Pal, associate professor at the School of Information who specialises in politicians’ use of social media and misinformation, particularly in India had the following to say on the matter:
“There are three challenges with online dangerous speech and propaganda: sophistication, believability and virality,” he said. “The levels of polarization and media distrust in India are such that there are pockets of citizens who are quickly willing to believe certain things about groups they see as antagonistic to their interests and worldview, so believability is already high”.
