IPL spot fixing: Bookie on way to Dubai held at airport in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI: A bookie allegedly involved in the IPL spot-fixing scandal was arrested from Hyderabad airport early today while he was trying to flee to Dubai with investigators saying his questioning may give clues on involvement of another team in the case.

"Mohd Yahya, a resident of Mumbai, was arrested from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. He was trying to flee to Dubai," Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar told PTI.

He said Yahya is being brought to Delhi and that they believe that his questioning may throw "some fresh light" into the case. However, he refused to elaborate, saying they will reveal details at an appropriate time.

Police sources said his role in the scandal came up during interrogation of the bookies who are already arrested.

Police had earlier opened Letter of Cancellation against Yahya's passport and had informed airports to prevent his journey abroad.

They believe that his arrest may lead the investigators to the "doors of another IPL team" which is alleged to be involved in the betting racket.

The Commissioner had yesterday said that at least three more players and one more IPL team is under the scanner for spot-fixing in the tournament.

With the arrest of the bookie, a total of 19 people -- three IPL players, four former players and 12 bookies and their assistants -- have been arrested since May 16 in connection with the scandal that has rocked the cricketing world.

Chandila, Sreesanth and Ankit Chavan are the three IPL players who were arrested.