The Central Crime Branch (CCB) quizzed the Belagavi Panthers owner, Ali Asfak Thara on Friday. He was questioned in the connection with the ongoing match-fixing probe. The suspected betting and match-fixing in Karnataka Premier League (KPL) is being investigated by the city police. The KPL tournament is annually organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).  

Police quizzed the owner of Belgavi Panthers 

A senior police official has said that they have taken up the probe based on the tip-off that indicates that Belagavi Panthers’ owner Ali Asfak Thara has been actively involved in betting on the KPL games. The sleuth from the CCB also claims that Thara is in close contact with a few bookies involved in betting at KPL. According to the police, evidence shows that Thara was easily able to get involved in betting without being unnoticed because he was the owner of a team. Police also claimed that Thara was in constant touch with the players of other teams when his team was playing. This action is against the guidelines of KPL. The senior police officer also added that the investigation was in the initial stage and a detailed probe was needed in the matter. He said that they will be needing the help of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the anti-corruption unit of BCCI. Apart from this, the police officer informed that the number of layers in touch with Thara will be also be summoned and quizzed in the matter.  

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Woman Cricketer allegedly approached for match-fixing 

Last week, a member of the India women cricket team reported to ACU that she was allegedly approached to fix matches earlier this year. She prompted this to the BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). The ACU then lodged an FIR against two individuals on Monday. The alleged incident took place in February, ahead of the limited-overs home series against England. Masquerading as a sports manager, Jitendra Kothari got in touch with the cricketer last year through Instagram. He offered her managerial services and introduced her to Rakesh Bafna who directly approached her to fix matches. Kothari again contacted the player and put her through to Bafna claiming that he had a business offer for her. He approached her to fix matches and play according to the script and reportedly offered Rs 1 lakh per match during the India-England series. The ACU has registered an FIR against the two culprits.  

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