New Delhi: Errant Indian pacer S Sreesanth and two other bowlers from Rajasthan Royals were arrested in a post-midnight operation in Mumbai on Thursday by Delhi Police for spot-fixing in IPL matches for payments of upto Rs 60 lakh just for giving away a pre-determined number of runs in an over.
A special cell of the Delhi police arrested Sreesanth and his team mates – Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan – for indulging in spot-fixing in at least three IPL matches as per arrangements with bookies who have underworld connections abroad.
The players, who have been suspended by the BCCI, have been brought to Delhi and charged under section 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC.
They are also likely to be booked under the stringent MCOCA, Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, which could land them in jail without bail and their confessions before a DCP level officer will be admissible in court.
The arrested cricketers and the bookies were sent to police custody for five days by a court here for being quizzed in connection with the case.
During the hearing, special cell of Delhi police sought seven days of custodial interrogation of the cricketers and others to unearth the entire conspiracy relating to spot-fixing.
Addressing a crowded press conference, Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar said 11 bookies have also been arrested in connection with the same case.
The Delhi Police are looking for two more bookies but have ruled out any other player’s involvement in the case.
The police revealed explosive details of the modus operandi followed by bookies and the cricketers, giving audio-visual proof of three IPL matches which were manipulated.
They also said that they had intercepted calls from a Dubai number.
Kumar listed three Rajasthan Royals’ matches – on May 5, 9 and 15 against Pune Warriors, Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians respectively – where spot-fixing took place.
Kumar revealed how bookies gave the caught players specific approval codes, which were used to signify a compromised over during the matches.
“The instructions were ‘put the towel in your trousers or take time setting up the field or take out your locket or shirt or the vests that you are wearing’,” added the top cop.
Asked about how the investigation began, Kumar said, “It was an information that we had that the Mumbai underworld is indulging in match-fixing or spot fixing and contacting a number of bookies and some players are mixed up,” he said.
“We were keeping them under surveillance. The names of these three came to light and we waited for a situation when all three could be pinned down,” he added.
A shocked BCCI promptly suspended the three players from the IPL and referred the matter to its Disciplinary Committee for further action. A top BCCI source indicated that the trio could be banned for life.
Reacting to the developments, Rajasthan Royals issued a statement, saying they were shocked by the development.
“We have been informed that three of our players have been called in for investigation on spot fixing in matches. We are completely taken by surprise. We do not have the full facts at this point and are unable to confirm anything,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the ICC said it will provide “full support” to the BCCI and Delhi police in the investigation into the arrest of the three cricketers.
Rajasthan Royals captain Rahul Dravid was “shocked” and “distressed” after the arrest of three of his team mates.
“I am shocked, disappointed and distressed by the events that have resulted in the arrests last night and this morning,” Dravid said in Hyderabad on Thursday, the eve of their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“Rajasthan Royals is a special team, where we have always operated like a family – so this is particularly devastating.”
“For me, as a captain and leader, I have to focus on ensuring that the team fulfill their enormous potential and continue to play in the Rajasthan Royals way. Our players are devastated that our performances may have been affected, as they have a desire to win that has been evident throughout the tournament,” he said.
“I hope that our fans get behind us even more, and that we become stronger as a unit – which often happens in times of adversity,” Dravid added. (PTI)