Spot fixing: Ankeet Chavan applies for bail
Ankeet Chavan (R)
New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) Rajasthan Royals cricketer Ankeet Chavan, arrested in Indian Premier League spot fixing scandal Wednesday moved a fresh bail application before a sessions court, to get married June 2.
Suspended cricketer Chavan was denied relief by a magisterial court Tuesday saying social stigma cannot be a ground to give him the relief.
Chavan’s bail plea will come for hearing on Thursday before Additional Sessions Judge Vinay Kumar Khanna.
Lawyer for Chavan, who is in judicial custody till June 4, Tuesday said that his marriage date was close and he needed to attend the ceremonies and if the wedding does not take place it will cause harm to his reputation and that of the prospective bride.
The magisterial court rejecting bail plea of Chavan had said: “The defence counsel has cited reason of social stigma to the families of the bride and groom. Social sentiments cannot be considered as a valid ground while evaluating the grounds of bail.”
“Keeping in view the gravity of offence and conspiracy with other co-accused persons, I do not find any ground to admit accused either on regular or on interim bail. Both the applications are accordingly dismissed,” the court had added.
The Senior Public Prosecutor Rajiv Mohan had opposed the bail plea of Chavan saying it a settled proposition of law that once a person is not entitled to regular bail on a specific ground, then he cannot even seek interim bail on similar ground.
He added that investigation is at initial stage and crucial stage and everyday new facts were being unearthed by police and in such a situation if the accused is admitted to bail, there is every likelihood of his tampering with evidence or fleeing from justice.
S. Sreesanth, Chavan and Ajit Chandila, who played for Rajasthan Royals team in the IPL, were arrested in Mumbai by Delhi Police for their alleged involvement in spot fixing in matches for payments up to Rs.60 lakh for giving away pre-determined number of runs in an over.