Delhi Court Frames Charges in 2000 Cricket Match-Fixing Scandal
Key Figures: Sanjeev Chawla, Hansie Cronje, Krishan Kumar
A Delhi Court has framed charges against four individuals, including bookie Sanjeev Chawla and Krishan Kumar of T-Series, in a 2000 cricket match-fixing scandal. Sanjeev Chawla, extradited from the UK in 2020, is identified as the mastermind behind the cheating. The case involves match-fixing between the Indian and South African cricket teams, with the late South African captain Hansie Cronje also implicated.
Details of the Case
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Neha Priya of Patiala House Court framed charges against Rajesh Kalra, Krishan Kumar, Sunil Dara, and Sanjeev Chawla for cheating and criminal conspiracy. The court found sufficient evidence to suspect their involvement in fixing Test and One Day International (ODI) matches held in India from February 19, 2000, to March 19, 2000.
Role of Sanjeev Chawla
The court described Sanjeev Chawla as the main conspirator, who negotiated with Hansie Cronje to manipulate match results. Chawla stayed in the same hotels as Cronje and maintained constant contact with him, even when abroad.
Role of Krishan Kumar
Krishan Kumar booked a hotel room for Chawla and Cronje in Mumbai, where they conspired to fix matches. Kumar’s phone was used for conversations related to match-fixing, and he informed Rajesh Kalra about the need for a roaming SIM card, which was later used by Cronje.
Role of Rajesh Kalra
Rajesh Kalra had multiple phone conversations with Cronje and met him along with Chawla in New Delhi. Kalra also provided a mobile connection to Cronje, which was used for match-fixing deals.
Investigation and Findings
The case came to light during an extortion investigation by the Delhi police. Analysis of phone records revealed a conspiracy involving Chawla, Kumar, Kalra, and others to fix matches. Recorded conversations showed that Cronje agreed to fix match scores and individual performances for bribes.
Conclusion
The court concluded that a serious attempt was made to fix the matches, although the players did not follow through during the games. The Delhi police were represented by Special Public Prosecutor Manu Sharma and advocate Arjun Kakkar.
