Arrests in Alleged Indian Cricket Betting Scandal

India usually wins against England in cricket. Their latest test match resulting in a ten-wicket loss is the subject of an investigation by the Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) police. Authorities suspect unfair play by several Indian players, which led to the serious defeat.

Newspapers suspect a large Indian online betting racket behind the defeat to England. Several investigators are on the case. One involved was quoted in the Times of India: “The result of the match was a surprise because Indian players practically surrendered before the English spin attack, which is quite bizarre.”

Detective Sujay Chanda also informed about the arrest of eight people. Interrogations are going on to decide whether they have been involved in betting on the match.

Gharfa police raided a restaurant in connection with the betting scandal following an anonymous tip. Allegedly, a ring of Indian gambling operators acted as bookies for the test match. The authorities have had a few misleads before the successful action, including a raid during the Diwali festival.

The Indian gambling law enforcers managed to arrest eight people at the restaurant, and confiscated INR 90,000 ($16,360) as well as high-valued gold ornaments.

One suspect is identified as Samir Adhikari, 35, allegedly the ringleader. His brother Bishuran ran the operation from the back room of the restaurant which he owned. Charges against them include card gambling, but the suspect denied any participation in cricket betting.

The eight arrested Indian citizens also deny manipulating the India-England test match, however, the Kolkata police believes that cricket betting was their main source of income. The mobile phones confiscated during the raid will be checked for call details to see if they provide any connection to cricket match-fixing.