M A I N   N E W S

CBI unable to read googly
From K.V. Prasad
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, May 1 — This is perhaps one googly that hard-boiled scam-busters are finding it difficult to read. In cricketing terms, even though the CBI is on a familiar wicket, the nature of delivery (match-fixing case) is not defined.

The decision of the government to entrust the match-fixing probe to the CBI has thrown up many questions before the investigators, sources in the CBI said today.

While the case is yet to reach the CBI headquarters, a discussion has already started as how to go about the probe which clearly does not have a reference point.

The Hansie Cronje tape case continues to be with the Delhi police and where does the CBI start its inquiry and more importantly against whom, to find out about match-fixing?.

The CBI, which has probed many a scandal, is faced with the question as to what line of investigation should it take in this unique case so that it can be taken to the logical conclusion and prove criminal liability of the people allegedly involved in it.

One of the issues is how to define ‘match-fixing’ and what steps are taken to prevent and who are the people behind it all.

“One does not even know what cricket matches are we supposed to watch, from which period and what are the specific charges, if any, of match-fixing in the matches,’’ a CBI official said today.

Once the case is referred to the CBI, the bureau registers it but discussion is on as to narrow down the clauses under which it can be booked.

The case is expected to be referred to the Special Crimes unit which has two Joint Directors, Mr R M Singh and Mr R N Savani, who has joined the CBI barely a month ago.

Meanwhile, the CBI is awaiting response from Interpol which was requested by the Delhi police to help it verify the voice of South African skipper Hansie Cronje and his accounts.