Mumbai/Delhi/Chennai: The IPL spot-fixing scandal is getting murkier with each day. What started as an involvement of three Rajasthan players – S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankit Chavan – in spot fixing some matches, the sordid saga of betting has engulfed many, including Gurunath Meiyappan, who happens to be the son-in-law of BCCI cheif N Srinivasan.
The twist in the tale came with the arrest of small-time Bolloywood actor Vindoo Dara Singh, who happens to be the son of legendary wrestler and actor late Dara Singh, on Tuesday. During the course of interrogation, Vindoo admitted to being a middleman between the players and the bookies. He also admitted to being in touch with the IPL owner and officials and his call records directly pointed fingers towards Meiyappan.
Based on the evidence, Mumbai Police issued summons to the CSK owner, who initially asked for more time to appear before the Mumbai Crime Branch. However, the Mumbai Police stuck to their stance for his appearance by Friday 5 p.m. With no other way to evade arrest, Meiyappan finally decided to appear before the police and surfaced with his father-in-law at their Kodaikonal residence. Soon, he was on his way to Mumbai and the Mumbai Crime Branch after interrogation have arrested the the high profile son-in-law of the BCCI chief who till a day ago was also supposed to be the CEO of Chennai Super Kings.
Following these developments throughout the day, there have been much hue and cry throughout the country.
Here are some of the reactions and repercussions:
Modi demands cancellation of CSK's contract
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, who was once at the receiving end of the BCCI chief N Srinivasan, has demanded that Chennai Super Kings' contract should be cancelled immediately. He said that fresh auctions should be held in the wake of Gurunath Meiyappan's name cropping up in the spot-fixing scandal. "If a owner of an IPL team is engaged in betting, the contract clearly states that there is a suo moto right to cancel the agreement of the team and that should be done right away," he said.
IPL spot-fixing a blot in the game: Rudy
Senior BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Friday said that the entire country was upset over the issue and that the spot-fixing was a blot on the game.
Sahara chief too says CSK should be scrapped
Subrata Roy, owner of Sahara Group who owned Pune Warriors but decided to severe their ties with IPL a couple of days ago, said that CSK's contract should be terminated immediately. "If the owner of a franchise is involved in betting their contract should immediately be scrapped. If a owner is involved in betting it's wrong," he said. "People who rule sports bodies, National Sports Federations (NSFs) should be clear. A rule should be made that NSFs should be governed by sportspersons."
He also demanded that Srinivasan should quit in the given circumstances. Sharaa chief said that NCP chief and former BCCI president Sharad Pawar should again take the charge as he is more capable for the job. He said he will not return to the IPL unless Srinivasan's resigns.
Vindoo's custody extended till May 28
Vindoo Dara Singh, who was arrested for his alleged involvement in spo-fixing, was presented in the Killa court on Friday. He has been remanded in the police custody till May 28.
India Cements, CSK disowns Gurunath
Amidst reports that Chennai Super Kings may be terminated if its CEO Gurunath is arrested by the Mumbai Police, according to the IPL rulebook, India Cements issued a statement stating that Gurunath Meiyappan was neither the owner, nor CEO/Team Principal of Chennai Super Kings. "Mr Gurunath is only one of the members (Honorary) of the Management Team of Chennai Super Kings. India Cements follows zero tolerance policy and if anyone is proved guilty, strict action will be taken immediately. India Cements assures full co-operation with BCCI and the Law Enforcement authorities," said the statement.
Vindoo supllied girls to big guns
According to TV reports, Mumbai police officials investigating the IPL betting scandal say Vindoo Dara Singh not only placed bets for important people in the IPL, he also supplied them girls.
Govt. Mulls new anti-fixing law
One good thing that happened because of this incident is that the government is mulling a new anti-fixing law. According to the reports, the new law will make fixing a non-bailable offence and will invite a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. It is expected to be modeled on the lines of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), under which the burden of proof rests with the accused.
