Sreesanth survived attempt to murder while in jail, says brother-in-law

Sreesanth was jailed on allegations of match-fixing in 2013

Kochi, Feb 27 (IANS) Former Indian fast bowler S. Sreesanth was attacked with a knife while he was in jail after being arrested for his alleged involvement in IPL spot-fixing in 2013, his family said on Friday. He is currently facing trial in a Delhi court.

The fast bowler’s sister's husband Madhu Balakrishnan made this revelation to the media here.

"After he (Sreesanth) returned home following 26 days in Tihar jail in May 2013, he revealed this," said Balakrishnan, a popular playback singer.

"He told us that while he was walking inside the jail compound, a known history sheeter suddenly jumped before him, brandishing a very sharp knife. He (Sreesanth) reacted and in the melee, the attacker injured his hand and was taken away by the jail staff," said Balakrishnan.

Balakrishnan said the family does not intend to turn this into any controversy nor are they planning to take this forward. The temperamental speedster, while playing for his franchise Rajasthan Royals, was arrested on charges of alleged match-fixing in the Indian Premier League in 2013 and is out on bail.

Delhi Police invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Sreesanth and the trial has now been completed in a court in Delhi. The verdict is expected to be pronounced early next month.

Sreesanth has already expressed confidence that the court will absolve him of the charges.