IPL Scam 2013: Sreesanth in Focus as Court Set to Frame Charges
Sreesanth is among three Rajasthan Royals cricketers facing match-fixing charges by Delhi Police. He has already been banned by the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI).
The order on framing of charges in the IPL 2013 spot-fixing case in which cricketers Ajit Chandila, S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and others, including underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his aide Chhota Shakeel are accused, is scheduled tomorrow (July 25). (Sreesanth maintains innocence)
Additional Sessions Judge Neena Bansal Krishna, who was scheduled to pass the order on June 29, failed to do so because the order sheet was not prepared. (Sreesanth rests faith in judiciary)
Saturday's proceedings will grab a lot of attention because on July 14, a Supreme Court-appointed panel headed by former Chief Justice of India R.M. Lodha, suspended Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for two years each due to betting. Team owners Gurunath Meiyappan (Chennai) and Raj Kundra (Rajasthan) were banned for life from cricketing activities in India by the panel.
The Special Cell of Delhi Police had named 42 accused in its chargesheet out of whom six are absconding. On May 16, 2013, the special cell of Delhi Police carried out raids in Mumbai and arrested three Rajasthan Royals players, including former Test pacer Sreesanth. (Lalit Modi letter alleges CSK fixed matches)
During the arguments on framing of charges, the police had referred to telephonic conversations among players and bookies to establish their match fixing and betting charges. The court felt that there was prima facie no evidence showing that matches were fixed.
The Police had also alleged that call detail records clearly reflect the linkage of accused persons who were part of a crime syndicate to generate money. The court had earlier declared Dawood and Shakeel as proclaimed offenders as they are evading arrest in the matter.
The police had filed a 6,000-page chargesheet against various accused in the case. It had also filed a supplementary chargesheet later on.
The court had granted bail to Sreesanth, Chavan and various others accused for lack of evidence against them under the provisions of stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Chandila was also granted bail. The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has banned the players.