Cops summon producer in betting case

Mumbai: The Thane police has issued summons to Bollywood producer Parag Sanghvi and Sameer Buddha, the brother of former police officer Sohail Buddha, to record their statements in connection with the Indian Premier League (IPL) betting case.

Sanghvi is allegedly a partner of bookie Sonu Jalan alias Sonu Malad, who was arrested in the betting case. Jalan allegedly funded several movies of the producer such as The Attacks of 26/11, the Sarkar series and Partner.

“We have issued summons to them, and they have been asked to appear before us on Tuesday. Their roles, which have emerged during the course of the investigation, need to be verified. Jalan has claimed to be Sanghvi’s partner and funded his films,” said Pradeep Sharma, senior inspector of the Thane anti-extortion cell (AEC).

The police said that Sanghvi and Jalan are partners and the money used for making the films was generated from cricket betting. The source of funds and the details of their use will be probed thoroughly. Jalan and Sanghvi will be confronted face to face by the Thane police on Tuesday, officials said.

The police added that Buddha would be questioned as his car was used by Jalan to travel to places ‘to commit crimes’ and was also apprehended inside the white Honda City by the Thane police. The officials said that he would be questioned on his connection with Jalan and the reason behind lending his car to the bookie. The police has seized the car.

The duo’s bank accounts will be scrutinised and the monetary transactions will be verified to ascertain their source. Further action will be taken as per the findings after their statement.