Bengaluru police forms special investigation team to further investigate KPL fixing scandal

The police are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to reach the roots of the match-fixing scandal that has rocked the Karnataka Premier League (KPL). The police has already made a number of high profile arrests as the investigation has opened up the pandora’s box. In the last couple of months, a number of players have been arrested.

Former Karnataka and IPL player CM Gautam has been the biggest name who has been arrested. The player has previously played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Along with him, Ranji Trophy player Abrar Kazi was arrested too. Both the players were found guilty of spot-fixing during KPL 2019 finals between Hubli and Bellary.

Before the two, cricketer Nishanth Singh Shekhawat was arrested too by the Karnataka police in connection with the KPL spot-fixing case. Shekawat was accused of fixing a KPL match in the year 2018 between Bangalore and Belgavi team, in which he allegedly played slow and received Rs 5 lakhs for the same. Reports also suggested that he was the link between the bookies and the team-members.

During the course of the investigation, the police had also arrested Belgavi Panthers team’s owner Ali, Bengaluru Blasters bowling coach Vinu Prasad and batsman Vishwanathan. Ali had allegedly placed bets with a bookie based in Dubai and was in touch with players of other teams during the league.

SIT team formed for more investigation

Bengaluru Police, meanwhile, has formed a special investigation team (SIT) to go deeper into the match-fixing scandal. Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao confirmed the news on Wednesday. The SIT has been formed within the Central Crime Branch (CCB) that is investigating the KPL fixing scam. Rao said that while fans flocked the stadium to watch the games but the outcome was already decided.

“Today there are many non-playing cricketers involved than those playing on the field, and it has become a business for them as they travel to Dubai, West Indies and other foreign countries and stay at five-star hotels. They have also indulged in blackmailing of players through honey trap. The game has become insignificant and the activities of these betters have only increased,” he was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Rao also came down hard on the authorities for their failure to deal with the matter. Rao said that regulatory bodies of the game like BCCI and KSCA have remained mute spectators despite knowing everything.

“We have issued notices to all teams asking for videos, scoresheet, details of the managers and others. I have formed a small SIT (Special Investigation Team) within the CCB to go deep into this. Let’s see where it goes,” he added.