'Rotate your watch, put on your towel': Spot fixing codes used in fixing the match

[email protected] (News Network)
May 16, 2013

sreesanth

New Delhi, May 16: On May 9, at a match between the Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals played at Mohali near Chandigarh, pacer S Sreesanth ran up to bowl an over with a towel tucked into the band of his trouser.

The Delhi Police allege that this was a signal to bookies that he would now fix an over. He had bowled the previous over without the towel.

The deal, the Delhi Police allege, was that Sreesanth would tuck the towel to indicate spot-fixing and then would give the bookies some time to place as many bets as possible. On field, Sreesanth had warmed up a bit before beginning to bowl the over. He gave away more than 14 runs as fixed.

The Kerala cricketer, who has played for India, was arrested today and charged with spot-fixing. Betting is illegal in India.

The police claim that over months of investigations they have gathered information on spot-fixing, primarily by intercepting phone conversations. The bookies and players, they say, have codes to indicate which over will be fixed.

Like the alleged towel code. Or the one that the police claim Ajit Chandela, another Royals player arrested today, forgot.

On May 5, when Royals played the Pune Warriors at home in Jaipur, the police alleged that Chandela was paid an advance of Rs. 20 lakh by bookies to fix an over. They have quoted from the phone transcript of an alleged conversation where Chandela said he would pull out his two T-shirts to indicate he was beginning a fixed over.

He duly bowled the over giving away 14 runs, the police alleged, but forgot to pull out his shirts. The police claim that there was an argument on the phone after a match, in which the bookie demanded his money back.

Ankeet Chavan, the third Royal player arrested today, was paid Rs. 60 lakh to give away 13 runs in six-over match, the police alleged.

Delhi Police Chief Neeraj Kumar said today that no players from other teams were involved.

A press conference today, the police played video clips from the matches to bolster their allegations.

sreesanth-graphics

New Delhi, May 16: Neeraj Kumar, the Delhi police chief and his colleagues are holding a press conference to explain the modus-operandi used by the three IPL players involved in spot fixing.

Earlier today, three Rajasthan Royal players including Kerala pacer Sreesanth were arrested for spot-fixing in the current IPL season.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Arrested 3 Rajasthan Royals players and 11 bookies and their assistants in a scam of spot fixing.
  • Modus operandi adopted was that there was an agreement between bookies and players that in a certain over they would give away minimum amount of runs.
  • Bookies also gave them directions that they have to indicate that they are ready to give away those many runs.
  • These indications were in different forms.. take out locket from shirt, take out shirts and vests that you're wearing, put towel into trousers etc etc.
  • They had to deliver the over and give away pre-determined number of runs.
  • First instance came to light during Match held in Jaipur between Pune Warriors India and Rajasthan Royals on May 5.
  • Ajit Chandila gave away 14 runs in his second spell.
  • Chandila forgot to give the predecided sign, hence bookies couldn't bet. This led to arguments and demand for return of the money.
  • 20 lakhs were given in advance that was to be given to Chandila.
  • Second match in which spot fixing took place was on May 9, in Mohali. It was between the Rajasthan Royals vs KXIP.
  • Sreesanth would give the signal by putting a towel in his trousers.
  • He gave bookies time to bet by warming up and then went on to give 13 runs.
  • Have records of call where it was decided that Sreesanth would give 14 or more runs in the second over of his spell.
  • He would put a towel in his pants as a signal.
  • Third match where spot fixing was done was the match held last night. Rajasthan Royal vs Mumbai Indians.
  • Ajit Chandila was not playing, he was acting as go between Ankeet Chavan and bookies.
  • Ankeet was asked to give 14 or more runs in the second over of his spell and promised Rs. 60 lakh for that.
  • After Ankeet Chavan's over there was a conversation between Ajit Chandila and the bookie. It was decided whatever was to be given to Ankeet Chavan would go through Chandila.
  • We had teams at the venues as players could give signals during ad breaks as well.
  • Sreesanth was arrested from Carter Road in Mumbai.
  • Ajit Chandila was arrested from the Inter-Continental hotel in Mumbai.
  • Ankeet Chavan arrested from Hotel Trident.
  • 2 bookies arrested from Inter-Continental.
  • We had information that Mumbai underworld is contacting bookies and players for fixing.
  • No evidence of the involvement of Australian player Shaun Tait.
  • We don't know who started the whole thing but from experience I can say that bookies spot talented and vulnerable people who will compromise.
  • It is a coincidence that players of the same team have come under our radar, but we cannot say that it is not happening in other teams.
  • We were the ones who informed the IPL administration about the fixing. We did not get any info from the IPL or the BCCI.
  • Our probe will show whether we need to contact Enforcement Directorate (ED) or other agencies.
  • We have been tracking this case since April and since then only these three players came under our radar.
  • Further arrests likely to be only bookies. No more cricketers.
  • Mastermind of this is sitting abroad.
  • Batsmen of opponent teams ruled out as no evidence found against them.

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News Network
January 6,2025

Bengaluru, Jan 6: Most wanted Maoists operating in deep jungles of Western Ghats, hilly and coastal region of Karnataka have decided to lay down their arms and join the mainstream following the appeal by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka Congress government.

According to sources, the Maoists have taken the decision following the encounter of Vikram Gowda and the continuous combing operations in the Western Ghat region by the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) and the Karnataka Police.

Sources said that top leaders Mundagaru Latha who leads the Tunga Naxal Wing in the state; Sundari, Vanajakshi, Jeesha, the most wanted Maoists of south India; K. Vasantha from Andhra Pradesh and Mareppa Aroli have decided to surrender and lay down their arms.

Maoist leader Sundari’s brother Anand, who was also a Naxal and returned to the mainstream, stated, “They will welcome her home if she decides to lay down arms. Let her and associates stop the struggle and live like common people. It’s 17 years since she had gone away from home. We will be happy if she comes back to us.”

“Sundari, surrender before the government and come back home,” he appealed in Kutlur of Mangaluru district.

The surrender procedure will happen in two to three days, sources confirmed.

The sources also revealed that the Maoists had written a letter in this regard to the Citizen’s Forum, a progressive organisation and the members of the forum have discussed the matter already with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

CM Siddaramaiah welcomed the proposal and gave the green signal for authorities to start the surrender procedures.

The Maoists have demanded that the surrender process should take place in a dignified manner and that their self-respect should not be harmed. They have also demanded that they should not be prevented from exercising their rights under a democratic system.

The Maoists have also demanded that they should not be made to languish in prisons. The 'false' cases against them should be closed and cooperation has to be extended for them after surrender to obtain bail. It has also been demanded that all cases must be brought under one court and trial has to be expedited.

They have also demanded financial support from the government to shape their lives. The package has to be applied to other surrendered Maoists who are presently in prison. They have also sought clarification on whether Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala states will take one stand on the matter.

The Maoists have also demanded a judicial investigation of the Vikram Gowda encounter.

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News Network
January 8,2025

tannirbhavi.jpg

Mangaluru: The Tannirbhavi beach stretch up to the forest department's Tree Park is on the brink of a remarkable transformation under the ‘One Beach, One Destination’ initiative. This ambitious project aims to elevate the beach into a top-tier tourist hotspot through comprehensive upgrades and strategic developments.

Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP shared updates during a press briefing on Tuesday, revealing that fresh tenders have been floated for maintaining the main beach. The technical evaluation of tenders for the Tannir Bhavi Blue Flag Beach is nearing completion, with the financial bids set to open shortly. “We are pleased to see major players participating in the tender process,” the DC remarked.

For the main beach, the maintenance contract will span 10 years. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag Beach’s successful bidder will face a progressive financial model—starting with a Rs 50 lakh payment in the first year, escalating to Rs 2 crore by the 10th year, alongside a minimum 5% revenue share for the administration. “Upon completion of the development, the beach will feature continuous activities to enhance its appeal,” he added.

Approximately 90% of the beach’s development work is already complete. Eco-friendly initiatives such as waste management systems and solar installations are operational at the Blue Flag Beach. While entrance work by Mangaluru Smart City Limited is ongoing, the beach remains accessible to the public. Entry fees, set in accordance with Blue Flag guidelines, aim to support sustainable maintenance efforts.

The ‘Blue Flag’ certification represents a global standard in eco-tourism, ensuring clean bathing water, state-of-the-art amenities, safety measures, and sustainable development. Karnataka’s Padubidri and Kasarkod beaches are among the few in India to hold this prestigious certification.

Mangaluru Smart City Limited is spearheading the development of the 1.8-acre area, with an investment of approximately Rs 16 crore. Once completed, the Tannirbhavi Beach is expected to stand out as a vibrant and eco-friendly destination, drawing tourists and locals alike.

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News Network
January 6,2025

Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in Bengaluru on January 6 - a 3-month-old baby who has been discharged and an 8-month-old who is recovering at a hospital in the Karnataka capital. This marks the first reported cases of HMPV in India.

The infected infants and their families have no recent travel history, ruling out exposure from other regions or countries, the health department said.

HMPV is a respiratory virus that often causes mild symptoms resembling a cold but can lead to other complications, particularly in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus can occasionally trigger pneumonia or exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions. Cases typically rise during the winter and early spring.

The Centre announced on Sunday that it is monitoring HMPV and other respiratory viruses, especially following recent reports of increased respiratory illnesses in China. A Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) convened on January 4 to evaluate the situation, with representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and other health organisations participating.

Respiratory illnesses in China align with seasonal variations caused by viruses such as influenza, RSV, and HMPV. Current surveillance data from India does not indicate any unusual surge in respiratory infections, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

As a precaution, the Centre has increased laboratory capacity for HMPV testing. The ICMR will monitor HMPV trends throughout the year, alongside other respiratory illnesses such as influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). A robust network of surveillance systems, including those operated by ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), continues to track respiratory infections across the country.

Hospitals have been advised to strengthen isolation protocols for suspected cases, ensure the availability of essential medicines, and promptly report ILI and SARI cases through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).

Precautions to Take:

To reduce the risk of HMPV infection, individuals are advised to:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory symptoms.
  • Wear masks in crowded or high-risk areas, especially during seasonal outbreaks.
  • Maintain good indoor ventilation by keeping windows open when possible.
  • Disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly, such as doorknobs, toys, and tables.
  • Monitor infants, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses for symptoms like persistent cough or breathing difficulties.
  • Seek prompt medical attention if respiratory symptoms worsen or persist. 

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