How an auto spare parts dealer became bookie for celebs

THANE: After the arrest of three bookies from Dombivli by the Thane anti-extortion cell (AEC) on May 18, the names of many big bookies and celebrities have come up.

After the case was originally registered with the Dombivli police station, three more bookies were arrested, including India’s top bookie Sonu Jalan, 42, which revealed actor-producer Arbaaz Khan’s involvement. After Khan was questioned, two more Bollywood producers have been named. While investigating, the police also seized a “lineholding machine from Jalan’s house in Malad, which used for betting, apart from a software, Betntake”. It was also found that Jalan and the accused arrested earlier had relations with dance bar girls, said an AEC officer.

HOW SONU JALAN BECAME A BOOKIE

Sonu Jalan, an SSC failed student from Malad, used to sell automobile spare parts. While doing so, he started betting almost 16 years ago. Some former police officers he knew helped him with few bookies’ numbers. He came in contact with big bookies and later Bollywood celebrities interested in betting.

“That’s how he came in contact with Arbaaz Khan five years ago,” said a Thane AEC officer. As per the police, according to Jalan’s statement, the whole transaction was done over word of mouth.

“Khan and Jalan started betting on IPL matches. Khan’s losses and wins were maintained on a blackboard at Jalan’s home. When Khan came to know that Jalan was bragging by taking his name, he demanded the deal be finished off. It was then that Jalan told Khan that he had to pay ₹2.83 crore. There is a video of Jalan threatening Khan. Khan told the police he did not remember this incident,” he added.

It was also found that ₹70 lakh were sent to Dubai-based bookie through hawala channels, which is under probe.