The city police have taken up an investigation into suspected betting and match fixing in Karnataka Premier League (KPL), a tournament organised by Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
Sleuths from the Central Crime Branch (CCB) questioned Ali Asfak Thara, owner of Belagavi Panthers, one of the KPL cricket teams, on Friday in connection with the probe. “We have taken up an investigation based on a tip-off that Mr. Thara was actively involved in betting on KPL matches,” said a senior police official.
The police claim he was in touch with a few bookies and was involved in betting on KPL matches. “We have evidence to show that Mr. Thara, being the owner of a KPL team, was in constant touch with players from other teams even during matches that his team was playing, which is a clear breach of guidelines,” sources said, and added that it had raised suspicion of match fixing too, sources said.
A senior CCB official said the probe was at an initial stage. “A detailed investigation needs to be done in the matter, and we will seek the assistance of the KSCA and the anti-corruption unit of the BCCI also,” he said. The official also added that the players who were in touch with Mr. Thara would also be summoned for questioning in the case.
“The KSCA will assist the police and cooperate with them on this matter,” said a KSCA official.
It can be recalled that a complaint has been lodged with the Ashok Nagar police alleging that a bookie had approached an India women’s cricket team player. Though officials said investigation into Mr. Thara’s alleged involvement was an unrelated independent investigation, sources said they were also probing to see if he was involved in the case.
