Delhi Court Frames Charges in 2000 Cricket Match-Fixing Scandal
A Delhi Court has recently framed charges against four individuals, including bookie Sanjeev Chawla and Krishan Kumar of T-Series, in a 2000 match-fixing scandal. Chawla was extradited from the UK in 2020 and is identified as the mastermind behind the cheating.
Details of the Case
This case involves match-fixing between the cricket teams of India and South Africa. The then South African team captain, Hansie Cronje, was also implicated but processes were abetted against him after his death. An FIR was registered in 2000 by the Delhi police, and a charge sheet was filed in 2013 against six accused persons.
Charges Framed
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Neha Priya of Patiala House Court framed charges against Rajesh Kalra, Krishan Kumar, Sunil Dara, Sanjeev Chawla, and Hansie Cronje. The charges include cheating and criminal conspiracy under Sections 420 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The court noted that the accused conspired to cheat and dishonestly induce delivery of property from spectators and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs) held in India from February 19, 2000, to March 19, 2000.
Role of the Accused
Sanjeev Chawla emerged as the main conspirator, engaging in negotiations and conversations with Hansie Cronje to manipulate match results. Krishan Kumar booked a hotel room for Chawla and Cronje to conspire, and his cell phone was used for match-fixing discussions. Rajesh Kalra provided a mobile connection to Cronje for match-fixing deals.
Investigation Findings
The case came to light during an investigation into an extortion case. Analysis of mobile intercepts revealed that the accused conspired to fix matches between India and South Africa. Supplementary charge sheets were filed after Chawla’s extradition.
The court noted that Herschelle Gibbs and Williams were offered bribes to fix their performances in a match. Although the players did not follow through, the court concluded that a serious attempt was made to fix the match.
