Kanpur Police to question two Lions’ players over betting

NEW DELHI: After three bookies were arrested by Kanpur Police, recent reports have suggested that two Gujarat Lions players could be involved in the betting scam.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Thursday that the Anti Corruption Unit of the BCCI has been tracking activities of these men before they were nabbed by police, who have found found Rs 40.90 lakh in cash and five mobile phones with them.

The suspects have been identified as Ramesh Nayan Shah (businessman from Thane) — Vikas Chauhan and Ramesh Kumar, both of whom hail from Kanpur.

With assistance from ACU, Uttar Pradesh Police Crime Branch foiled the alleged betting attempts, and were successfully able to arrest them from the same hotel where IPL teams Gujrat lions and Delhi Daredevils were staying.

Police have also hinted that the suspected bookies might have already placed bets on the match before being remanded in judicial custody later in the day.

Ramesh Kumar, who was contracted for putting up hoardings in the stadium, had booked the room for Shah, who was in touch with a racket kingpin from Ajmer, to whom he used to pass on information about the bets.

As per the police, Shah has taken names of two Gujarat Lions players, who reportedly were prepared to do as asked.

The BCCI, however, issued a statement claiming the betting attempt has been “foiled”.

“The anti corruption unit of the BCCI has been tracking activities of certain individuals, as a result of which, three suspects were arrested in Kanpur, on Thursday. The Uttar Pradesh police crime branch could successfully foil the alleged betting attempts of the accused,” it said.

“This was an outcome of the ACU of the BCCI, having worked closely with various law enforcement agencies, who will continue further investigations, in this matter.”