On January 2, The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) closed two cases connected to the suspected fixing of Indian Premier League (IPL) “based on inputs” from Pakistan due to lack of evidence.

Initiating action in May 2022 against seven individuals based on information that “a network of individuals involved in cricket betting are influencing the outcome of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches based on inputs received from Pakistan”, the CBI named specific accused parties in its FIRs. Dileep Kumar from Delhi’s Rohini, Gurram Vasu, and Gurram Satish from Hyderabad were among those named in the investigations.

As reported by The Hindu, despite an extensive two-year probe, the CBI found insufficient evidence to pursue prosecution against the accused. A closure report was submitted to a special court on December 23, outlining detailed allegations, investigative processes, and reasons backing the recommendation for case closure, officials revealed.The decision to accept the agency’s report or mandate further investigations now rests with the court, officials added.

Allegations suggested a prolonged racket spanning over a decade, marked by suspicious cash transactions involving the accused. The CBI had highlighted connections to Pakistani entities through a Pakistani mobile number, involved in providing critical inputs to two networks influencing betting during IPL matches.

The FIRs alleged the use of fake identities and fake accounts with fake Know Your Customer (KYC) documents in collaboration with unidentified bank officials. Dileep Kumar’s multiple bank accounts reportedly received domestic cash deposits exceeding Rs 43 lakh since 2013, against the usual financial logic, as stated by officials.

Similarly, Gurram Satish’s six bank accounts registered cash deposits amounting to Rs 4.55 crore (domestic) and Rs 3.05 lakh (foreign) between 2012-2020. Gurram Vasu’s accounts reflected transactions totaling Rs 5.37 crore within the same period,lacking any clear business sense, as per the CBI’s allegations.

The FIRs accused the identified network of individuals of operating a cricket betting racket, luring the public into fraudulent betting practices, also indulging in impersonating their identities in operating various bank accounts.

“The information reveals that this network of individuals was involved in cricket betting during the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches held in the year 2019,” one of the FIRs related to the Delhi-Hyderabad racket alleged.