2001 fake ticket scam: Non-bailable warrant against Goa Cricket Association chief

PANAJI: A local court today issued a non-bailable warrant against Goa Cricket Association president Vinod Phadke in connection with the alleged fake ticket scam of 2001.

The court of judicial magistrate first class (Margao) issued the warrant against Phadke as neither he nor his lawyer appeared before the court when the case came up for hearing this morning.

The GCA president had earlier sought exemption from personal appearance which was rejected by the court.

The case pertains to the alleged ticket scam during the India-Australia match held on April 6, 2001, at Fatorda stadium.

A case had been registered against several persons, including then GCA chief Dayanand Narvekar and Phadke, for intentionally placing orders for 29,000 tickets and complimentary passes beyond the capacity of the stadium, which was put at 27,000 spectators.

Margao police had charged Narvekar and Phadke for allegedly entering into a criminal conspiracy with the ticket contractor, Chinmay Fallari, for the sale of tickets by manipulation in the tender for a consideration of Rs 68 lakh.

The case is now posted for hearing on August 29.