NEW DELHI: Hindi film actor, director and producer
Arbaaz Khan has reportedly been summoned by the
Thane police for questioning in regards to a betting probe into the Indian Premier League (IPL), according to a TV report.
His name cropped up during the investigation of high profile bookie
Sonu Jalan. Arbaaz has been asked to record his statement by the ant-extortion cell of Thane crime branch.
Arbaaz was summoned for alleged placements of money on matches during the 11th season of the IPL through bookies, it was reported. Arbaaz, 50, is the brother of Bollywood superstar
Salman Khan.
Pradeep Sharma, the senior inspector of anti extortion cell, said that they have summoned the actor-producer to ascertain "his role in the betting racket and which shall be confirmed once his statement is recorded."
As per Times Now, Arbaaz was betting on IPL matches and lost Rs 2.8 crore in bets following which he was receiving threats from Jalan. When Salim Khan, Arbaaz's father, was contacted by the channel, he claimed of being unaware of the issue.
On May 16, the anti-extortion cell of the Thane Crime Branch raided a building in Dombivli where the nerve centre of an
IPL betting ring was located. Three people were arrested and two more arrests were made in the following days.
Jalan (41) was nabbed on the Kalyan sessions court premises, where he had come to "comfort" his partners who were produced there on Tuesday. Popularly known in gambling circles as Sonu Malad, Jalan is said to be a key person in the betting business, with his activities spread across continents. Police inspector Pradeep Sharma says his annual turnover could be close to Rs 100 crore.
Jalan, a Mumbai resident, is a partner in an online portal which was active during the IPL season. The anti-extortion unit of Thane police claims that his arrest would further expose the betting racket and bring to light an army of bookies.
More to follow …
Arbaaz Khan. (AFP Photo)