Producer, brother of former cop summoned in IPL betting case

THANE: The police have now summoned a well-known film producer and brother of a former police officer in connection with the Indian Premier League (IPL) betting racket.
Police said that Parag Sanghvi, the producer and Sameer Buddha, have been asked to record their statements on Tuesday as their names cropped up while interrogating the arrested bookie, Sonu Jalan.

“We have summoned Sanghvi as we found his association with Jalan during the probe reportedly with 20 per cent share in the betting. Also, Jalan was using the car, which is registered in the name of Buddha, brother of Sohail Buddha, former police officer,” said Pradeep Sharma, senior inspector of the anti-extortion cell.

Sharma added that former police officer Sohail Buddha will also be summoned to probe his role in the racket. “We shall record Sohail’s statement as his name has cropped up several times during the probe,” said Sharma.

Police added that Sanghvi is the CEO of Alumbra Entertainment & Lotus Film Company and has produced several movies namely Partner, Bhoot Returns and The Attacks of 26/11.

Sharma added that they are almost on the verge of invoking MCOCA against Jalan in the new extortion case registered against him. “We have completed the formalities and latest by Tuesday, MCOCA will be slapped as senior police officials have cleared the proposal,” said Sharma.

TOI was the first to report that the crime branch was contemplating of invoking MCOCA against Jalan.

A masala trader from the city registered a case of extortion against Jalan and his aides for seeking Rs 3 crore, out of which Rs 25 lakh was paid.

Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan had confessed to placing bets last year and losing Rs 2.75 crore. Though Khan said he will continue to co-operate with the police, the police are likely to make him a witness in the case.