Arbaaz confessed to having placed bets earlier, say cops
Actor-producer Arbaaz Khan (50) recorded his statement before the Thane AntiExtortion Cell on Saturday afternoon in connection with the Indian Premier League (IPL) betting scam. He also admitted to the police of losing Rs 2.45 crores in the IPL betting last year. Khan was jointly interrogated along with arrested bookie Sonu Jalan (41) alias Sonu Batla alias Sonu Malad who was arrested on Tuesday from Thane along with four other bookies.
During his interrogation, Khan’s name cropped up after a diary was seized by the police which contained names and contact numbers of Bollywood celebrities, producers and builders. Also photographs of Jalan along with Khan were found by the police.
Khan was interrogated by the police for nearly five hours on Saturday to record his statement. Film producer Parag Sanghvi, Chief Executive Officer of Alumbra Entertainment and Lotus Film company has been called for questioning by the Thane AEC in the coming days.
Pradeep Sharma, Senior Police Inspector, Thane antiextortion cell said, “We have not yet decided whether Arbaaz Khan is to be made a witness or not. The investigation is in progress. We have recorded his statement and if needed he would be called again.”
After recording his statement with police, Khan issued a statement to media. “I have recorded my statement with the police. They have asked me whatever they needed in this investigation and I have answered them. I will continue to co-operate with them,” said Khan.
According to Abhishek Trimukhe, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Thane crime branch, “We have recorded the statement of Arbaaz Khan. His name cropped up during the interrogation of bookie Sonu Jalan. Khan knew bookie Sonu Jalan for the past six years. Some new names have cropped up. Necessary action will be taken against them. Film producer Parag Sanghvi has been called for questioning in the coming days.” The anti-extortion cell has also seized Jalan's line holding machine which is used to handle various calls at the same time. The police are presently investigating the links with the other accused. Jalan’s custody has been extended. Jalan is the kingpin of the betting racket and has contacts with Chhota Shakeel, an aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Rajeev Shukla, Indian Premiere League Chairman issued a statement on Saturday in this matter. “The matter is with the police. We have nothing to do with it. Both BCCI and ICC have anti-corruption units. The police can co-ordinate with them.” he said.