The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially closed two cases related to the alleged fixing of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in 2019, citing a lack of evidence. The decision comes after nearly two years of investigation into the matter. The CBI had initiated action in May 2022, filing two FIRs against seven individuals based on information suggesting a network involved in cricket betting was influencing the outcomes of IPL matches with inputs from Pakistan.
The accused in the first FIR were named as Dileep Kumar from Delhi’s Rohini, and Gurram Vasu and Gurram Satish from Hyderabad. In the second FIR, Sajjan Singh, Prabhu Lal Meena, Ram Avtar, and Amit Kumar Sharma, all from Rajasthan, were named as the accused. However, despite an extensive probe, the CBI could not gather sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.
The CBI filed a closure report in a special court on December 23, detailing the allegations, its investigative process, and the reasons for recommending the case’s closure. The court will now decide whether to accept the agency’s report or instruct further investigations.
WATCH – Unseen Heartbreak: Virat Kohli’s Emotional Gesture In Sad Video from 2023 ODI World Cup Final
The agency’s initial action was based on the belief that the accused were running a cricket betting racket for over a decade, with suspicious cash transactions traced to their accounts. The CBI alleged that these individuals were in contact with Pakistani counterparts through a Pakistani mobile number. The two networks, as per the allegations, were deceiving the public by inducing them to engage in betting during IPL matches.
CBI Closes Probe In 2019 IPL Betting Case Over Lack Of Evidence https://t.co/raMoF0qS9r pic.twitter.com/l6JiOoqja4
— NDTV (@ndtv) January 2, 2024
The FIR highlighted the use of fake identities and Know Your Customer (KYC) documents to operate bank accounts, accusing Dileep Kumar of managing multiple accounts with domestic cash deposits exceeding Rs 43 lakh since 2013. The CBI also alleged irregularities in the transactions of Gurram Satish and Gurram Vasu, stating there was no identifiable business rationale for the substantial cash deposits made.
ALSO READ: David Bedingham Crafted His Technique With A Blend Of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
The FIR emphasized the involvement of this network in cricket betting during the IPL matches of 2019. It accused the individuals of running a racket, committing fraud by inducing betting and deceiving the public of their hard-earned money. The closure of these cases marks the end of a lengthy investigative process that did not yield enough evidence to sustain legal action against the accused.
