Spot-fixing probe against top India cricketer couldn't complete due to lack of evidence

Former IPS officer BB Mishra had carried out investigations into the spot-fixing claims that a top Indian player was in touch with a bookie.

The 2013 edition of IPL was one of the most controversial one

A member of the Justice Mukul Mudgal panel that investigated the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal has revealed what emerged from the probe before adding the investigation couldn't be completed due to lack of evidence.

During his tenure as a member of the Mudgal panel, former IPS officer BB Mishra had carried out investigations into the spot-fixing claims that a top Indian player was in touch with a bookie.

On Friday (November 2), Mishra made it clear that time was never an issue for him because the "Supreme Court was very co-operative" but he didn't have adequate evidence to take the case further.

"Yes, I was investigating a lead that I got about a top India player being in touch with a bookie. However, I didn't have enough evidence," Mishra told PTI.

"Let me clarify time was never an issue as Supreme Court was very co-operative and had we sought more time, we would have got that. But since the bookie in question didn't part with evidence, I had no option but to stop investigations," he added.

On being asked if he questioned the alleged cricketer, Mishra said: "I didn't speak to just one player but multiple players. Let's leave it that."

The former IPS officer further went on to say that he did get into touch with the bookie involved during his investigation.

"But when I asked for the evidence, he backtracked saying that a lot of dangerous people were involved and he feared for his life. He chose not to part with the evidence that he claimed to have in his possession. I had to close the investigation. So again I must state that time was never an issue," Mishra asserted.

He is open to share all the investigative details with BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit chief Ajit Singh, who has been in touch with him.

"Ajit Singh was my senior in Indian Police Service. When he called me after reports emerged, I told him 'sir I am shifting base from Delhi to Bhubaneswar and I will need some time to settle down'.

"Once I settled down, I called Mr Singh but he was in Dubai for the Asia Cup. That was the last I heard from him. Now I will be writing a mail that I am ready to discuss my findings at that point in time," Mishra said.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 03 Nov, 2018

    Share Via