'Rotate your watch, put on your towel': Spot fixing codes used in fixing the match

[email protected] (News Network)
May 16, 2013

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New Delhi, May 16: On May 9, at a match between the Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals played at Mohali near Chandigarh, pacer S Sreesanth ran up to bowl an over with a towel tucked into the band of his trouser.

The Delhi Police allege that this was a signal to bookies that he would now fix an over. He had bowled the previous over without the towel.

The deal, the Delhi Police allege, was that Sreesanth would tuck the towel to indicate spot-fixing and then would give the bookies some time to place as many bets as possible. On field, Sreesanth had warmed up a bit before beginning to bowl the over. He gave away more than 14 runs as fixed.

The Kerala cricketer, who has played for India, was arrested today and charged with spot-fixing. Betting is illegal in India.

The police claim that over months of investigations they have gathered information on spot-fixing, primarily by intercepting phone conversations. The bookies and players, they say, have codes to indicate which over will be fixed.

Like the alleged towel code. Or the one that the police claim Ajit Chandela, another Royals player arrested today, forgot.

On May 5, when Royals played the Pune Warriors at home in Jaipur, the police alleged that Chandela was paid an advance of Rs. 20 lakh by bookies to fix an over. They have quoted from the phone transcript of an alleged conversation where Chandela said he would pull out his two T-shirts to indicate he was beginning a fixed over.

He duly bowled the over giving away 14 runs, the police alleged, but forgot to pull out his shirts. The police claim that there was an argument on the phone after a match, in which the bookie demanded his money back.

Ankeet Chavan, the third Royal player arrested today, was paid Rs. 60 lakh to give away 13 runs in six-over match, the police alleged.

Delhi Police Chief Neeraj Kumar said today that no players from other teams were involved.

A press conference today, the police played video clips from the matches to bolster their allegations.

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New Delhi, May 16: Neeraj Kumar, the Delhi police chief and his colleagues are holding a press conference to explain the modus-operandi used by the three IPL players involved in spot fixing.

Earlier today, three Rajasthan Royal players including Kerala pacer Sreesanth were arrested for spot-fixing in the current IPL season.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Arrested 3 Rajasthan Royals players and 11 bookies and their assistants in a scam of spot fixing.
  • Modus operandi adopted was that there was an agreement between bookies and players that in a certain over they would give away minimum amount of runs.
  • Bookies also gave them directions that they have to indicate that they are ready to give away those many runs.
  • These indications were in different forms.. take out locket from shirt, take out shirts and vests that you're wearing, put towel into trousers etc etc.
  • They had to deliver the over and give away pre-determined number of runs.
  • First instance came to light during Match held in Jaipur between Pune Warriors India and Rajasthan Royals on May 5.
  • Ajit Chandila gave away 14 runs in his second spell.
  • Chandila forgot to give the predecided sign, hence bookies couldn't bet. This led to arguments and demand for return of the money.
  • 20 lakhs were given in advance that was to be given to Chandila.
  • Second match in which spot fixing took place was on May 9, in Mohali. It was between the Rajasthan Royals vs KXIP.
  • Sreesanth would give the signal by putting a towel in his trousers.
  • He gave bookies time to bet by warming up and then went on to give 13 runs.
  • Have records of call where it was decided that Sreesanth would give 14 or more runs in the second over of his spell.
  • He would put a towel in his pants as a signal.
  • Third match where spot fixing was done was the match held last night. Rajasthan Royal vs Mumbai Indians.
  • Ajit Chandila was not playing, he was acting as go between Ankeet Chavan and bookies.
  • Ankeet was asked to give 14 or more runs in the second over of his spell and promised Rs. 60 lakh for that.
  • After Ankeet Chavan's over there was a conversation between Ajit Chandila and the bookie. It was decided whatever was to be given to Ankeet Chavan would go through Chandila.
  • We had teams at the venues as players could give signals during ad breaks as well.
  • Sreesanth was arrested from Carter Road in Mumbai.
  • Ajit Chandila was arrested from the Inter-Continental hotel in Mumbai.
  • Ankeet Chavan arrested from Hotel Trident.
  • 2 bookies arrested from Inter-Continental.
  • We had information that Mumbai underworld is contacting bookies and players for fixing.
  • No evidence of the involvement of Australian player Shaun Tait.
  • We don't know who started the whole thing but from experience I can say that bookies spot talented and vulnerable people who will compromise.
  • It is a coincidence that players of the same team have come under our radar, but we cannot say that it is not happening in other teams.
  • We were the ones who informed the IPL administration about the fixing. We did not get any info from the IPL or the BCCI.
  • Our probe will show whether we need to contact Enforcement Directorate (ED) or other agencies.
  • We have been tracking this case since April and since then only these three players came under our radar.
  • Further arrests likely to be only bookies. No more cricketers.
  • Mastermind of this is sitting abroad.
  • Batsmen of opponent teams ruled out as no evidence found against them.

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News Network
December 2,2025

Puttur: The long-cherished dream of a government medical college in Puttur has moved a decisive step closer to reality, with the Karnataka State Finance Department granting its official approval for the construction of a new 300-bed hospital.

Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai announced the crucial development to reporters on Monday, confirming that the official communication from the finance department was issued on November 27. This 300-bed facility is intended to be the cornerstone for the establishment of the government medical college, a project announced in the state budget.

Fast-Track Implementation

The MLA outlined an aggressive timeline for the project:

•    A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the hospital is expected to be ready within 45 days.

•    The tender process for the construction will be completed within two months.

Following the completion of the tender process, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the project.

"Setting up a medical college in Puttur is a historical decision by the Congress government in Karnataka," Rai stated. The project has an estimated budget allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for the medical college.

Focus on Medical Education Department

The MLA highlighted a key strategic move: requesting the government to implement the hospital construction through the Medical Education Department instead of the Health and Family Welfare Department. This is intended to streamline the entire process of establishing the full medical college, ensuring the facilities—including labs, operation theatres, and other necessary infrastructure—adhere to the strict guidelines set by the Medical Council of India (MCI). The proposed site for the project is in Bannur.

Rai also took the opportunity to address political criticism, stating that the government has fulfilled its promise despite "apprehensions" and "mocking and criticising" from opposition parties who had failed to take similar initiatives when they were in power. "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has kept his word," he added.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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