A popular drummer who was seen playing drums in IPL matches on behalf of Royal Challengers Bangalore was arrested on Wednesday by police for illegal betting. He is also known for playing drums in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and the Karnataka Premier League.
Celebrity Drummer arrested for fixing
Bhavesh Bafna, a 26-year-old drummer has been held by Bangalore Central Crime Branch (CCB) following an investigation into the betting and illegal approach of a player in the 2019 KPL. According to a statement, an FIR has been registered against two bookies Bhavesh Bafna and Sanyam for trying to fix matches during the KPL game.
“In a major breakthrough for the ongoing investigation in the KPL match-fixing scandal, both (Bhavesh and Sanyam) have been booked after they had approached a Bellary Tuskers bowler to give more than 10 runs per over but the bowler refused,” a report read.
Was asked to give away more than 10 runs per over
Bhavesh Gulecha, 26, a fast bowler playing Bellary Tuskers, alleged that he was approached by his childhood buddy Bafna to give away more than 10 runs an over in a match. He was also offered a chance of an IPL contract and Rs two lakh as an advance if he met bookie Sanyam and agreed to a fixing deal. Bhavesh played KPL for the Bijapur Bulls in previous seasons, said he turned down the offer.
The further investigation found that Thara who was Belagavi Panthers’ owner was involved in this illegal act. Thara, a travel and tour businessman who bought the Belagavi Panthers franchise in 2017, was arrested by the CCB last week after several days of investigation. The police have said that as many as 12 players in KPL were in touch with Thara for betting. However, Police have denied any evidence regarding KPL 2019 fixed matches.
Several players, along with the coaching staff and persons associated with the teams in the league have been investigated in recent weeks about the betting scam.
