IPL 2021: Three bookies arrested from Mumbai’s team hotel by BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit- Acting on information provided by BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit Mumbai police nabbed three bookies, named Parvesh Bafna, Ayushi Kesarkar and Chetan Salecha, from a team hotel. These three were running a betting syndicate from a luxurious South Mumbai hotel where Rajasthan Royals was camped during the Mumbai leg of the IPL 2021.
Police Confiscated
Cash – ₹97,000
8mobile phones
1 laptop
1 fancy car
According to BCCI ACU chief Shabir Hussein Shekhadam Khandwawala, “Our ACU officers had a tip-off that three people had checked into the hotel, where the team (Rajasthan Royals) was staying. Even though they could not reach out to any of the players or support staff due to the strict bio-bubble, they did make attempts. But our officers alerted us and we immediately informed the police commissioner of Mumbai to look into the matter.”
Acting on the tip officer from NM Joshi Marg Police station reached the hotel and caught the three accused.
“All of them are from Rajasthan. Our records showed that two of the three had previously attempted to approach players in domestic and local tournaments,” Khandwawala added.
The search operation was kept confidential by Mumbai Police.
“The team staying in the hotel had no idea about this. Since they were in the same hotel, they were always going to be under the scanner. So, we ensured that things were handed with caution,” he said.
“Since the players were inside the bubble, the security was tighter and we had officers deputed with each team. So, the players and the support staff were unaffected. So far, we have not received any complaints from any players about corrupt approaches,” the BCCI ACU chief said.
Some bookies were also arrested in Ahmedabad and Delhi during the tournament.
Even though the bookies were staying in the same hotel with players no cricketer has so far reported any approach by the bookies, confirmed BCCI officer.