Ahmedabad, 25 May 2013

Vinod Mulchandani, a bookie from Bhavnagar was arrested by Crime branch of Ahmedabad police today in connection with IPL betting scandal. Police recovered Rs 1.28 crore in cash along with one kg gold worth Rs 26 lakh, 12 mobile phones and 2 laptops from him.

Police had received information that Bhavnagar based major bookie of Saurashtra region Vinod Mulchandani will be visiting his Prahlad nagar garden flat and will flea from here.

Having this information, Police Inspector R.R.Sarvaiya, Jitu Yadav and staff raided Indrapasth tower no.6 and arrested Vinod Mulchandani.

Vinod told police that his aide Shetal Shah alias Kathi was also involved with him in betting. Shetal is wanted in this case.

Yesterday, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) S K Nanda said Commissioners and SPs have been instructed to collect evidence against those involved in betting and gambling.

The Gujarat link has figured prominently in the multi- crore IPL spot-fixing scandal.

Gujarat cricketer Amit Singh was arrested by Delhi Police last Thursday for allegedly offering money to Indian pacer S Sreesanth and his Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan for indulging in spot-fixing in at least three IPL matches as per arrangements with bookies suspected of having underworld links.

Following this, another bookie, Manan Bhatt, was arrested from the state.

Even as several other bookies are believed to be operating from Gujarat and Delhi Police is probing the money trail, the Government has asked police to act tough against those indulging in illegal activities.