MLA Prasad Abbayya’s name figures in cricket betting racket

Hubballi, Aug 20: Hubballi-Dharwad (East) MLA Prasad Abbayya’s name has figured in the cricket betting racket being probed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). His name has been mentioned in a submission made before a Dharwad court for seeking custody of two bookies arrested earlier.

The application, submitted by Deputy Superintendent of Police (CID) B.G. Ratnakar recently, mentions that the bookies had revealed that one Gaju Habib used to collect Rs. 2.25 lakh for Mr. Abbayya. It also mentions that Habib used to keep Rs. 25,000 as his share and give the rest to the MLA.

The two bookies, Viru Kathare and Arjun Shiralkar, were arrested on August 2 following acomplaint filed by D.C. Tejas, a reporter in Suvarna News Channel. The application also mentions that the bookies used to give ‘mamul’ every month to the police, a few politicians and some journalists. Sources said that the CID had already issued notices to some journalists to appear before them in Bengaluru for an inquiry.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday in the wake of a report about his role in a Kannada daily, Mr. Abbayya termed the allegation “baseless”. He, however, admitted that he knew Habib. “Habib is a Congress worker and regularly comes to my office. I spoke to him and he said he has never collected money from the bookie. CID is free to inquire him to unearth the truth. I am ready for an inquiry too,” he said.

Mr. Abbayya said he would never stoop to such levels and added that this was a political conspiracy.

“I don’t know why the bookie named me. I urge the CID to hold an inquiry, and if people are not happy with the outcome, then let it be referred to the CBI,” he said.