IPL betting-scam: All you need to know about bookie Sonu
The arrest of wanted bookie Sonu Jalan in an IPL betting racket might be the beginning of the end of several high-profile careers, police believe. Actor-director Arbaaz Khan has already confessed. Names of two producers and a Pakistani politician have cropped up. Police are probing Vindu Dara Singh's involvement, Zee reports. But how did the former automobile-part seller become such an influential criminal?
From normal life to the crime-world, with help from cops
Jalan, an SSC failed student from Mumbai's Malad, was selling automobile spare parts 16 years ago, when he learnt of betting in cricket and planned to enter the racket himself. Some former police officers, who Jalan had managed to become friends with, put him in touch with established bookies of that time. Eventually, his network grew. He was soon mingling with the biggest bookies.
How Jalan came in contact with Khan
Through his business, Jalan came in contact with big Bollywood names, including Khan five years ago, cops said. They then started betting on IPL. They were seen at social events and even flew abroad together. But when Khan found out Jalan was bragging by using his name, he demanded an end to their association. "Jalan then told Khan he had to pay Rs. 2.83cr."
Khan not the only one Jalan blackmailed
Khan maintains Jalan blackmailed him with his call-recordings, and he was forced to pay up and attend events together. He denied taking money from the bets he placed. If his allegations are true, it would be a repeat of Jalan's former MO: the bookie had also blackmailed an enforcement directorate official and honeytrapped at least one senior police officer during his stint, cops said.
Two producers, a Pakistani politician, several others already named
Police said Jalan has named Bollywood producers Parag Sanghvi and Murad Khaitan too. A top bookie, son of a Mumbai-based builder, Dilip Ludhani, is under the scanner. Vindu Dara Singh, who was reportedly involved himself, was also betting on behalf of Gurunath Meiyappan, son-in-law of former BCCI president N. Srinivasan. Meanwhile, Khan had put Jalan in touch with other interested Bollywood celebs.
Jalan was nabbed from the Kalyan sessions court last week
Jalan, the sixth arrest in the racket, was nabbed when he reached the Kalyan sessions court last week to "comfort" his captured accomplices. His turnover was worth around Rs. 1,000cr, cops said, and his network involved 3,500 punters. The whole business was through word of mouth. Police have seized a diary that mentions names and phone numbers of those involved.
IPL denies links, Khan assures cooperation
Meanwhile, IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla has denied any links of the organization and of the BCCI to the scam. They have their own anti-corruption units for investigation, he added. Khan is now likely to be turned witness. He has assured continued cooperation with police.
