Bihar cricket officials accused of bribery in selection process

In a surprising turn of events, two Delhi-based cricketers have filed a complaint with the Delhi Police against president of Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) president Rakesh Kumar Tiwary and few of his associates for duping them of money in lieu of a place in the state team.

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Rohit Saini and Vicky Kumar have registered a complaint with the Karol Bagh police station, stating that they have paid Rs 15 lakh and 18 lakh for getting selected in the U-19 Vinoo Mankad and Ranji team respectively.

The players had registered their complaint with the police after finding out that Tiwary and his associates were only interested in money. They have names Anand Singh, Rahul Singh and Tiwary’s associate Kaushal Kishore Tiwary for luring them into paying money.

“They told me that they know Rakesh Tiwary and Kaushal Tiwary and we can get you a place in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy team. They said if you want to play in the trophy, you need to pay Rs 15 lakh,” Saini alleged in his complaint, a copy of which is with The Tribune.

After agreeing, he paid an advance of Rs 2,50,000 and submitted documents including his Aadhaar card, date of birth certificate, and mark sheet. Saini was then invited to Bihar, where he played a local match in Sheohar for three days before being asked for more money to finalise his selection.

He has listed all the account numbers in which he has transferred the money.

Similarly, Vicky in his complaint cites how he stayed for seven days in Purnea where he played two local matches. “So far, I have given Rs 4,50,000 in cash and transferred Rs 13,50,000 to their accounts,” Vicky alleged.

“They called me to the Ranji Trophy camp in Purnea, Bihar. I stayed there for 15 days but I was not training in the camp. I was then called to Patna for 10 days. Again I was not part of the camp. They then retracted on their earlier promise of getting me a place in the Ranji Trophy team and then said it was from Vijay Hazare Trophy,” Vicky claimed.

“When I did not agree I was threatened. They said we will kill you here and no one will hear of it. ‘Do as you are told, you will be told about the matches when they are held. Go back from here’,” he added.

“Despite the complaints, the police are yet to register an FIR. We will file a motion in the Tees Hazari courts where the investigation officer will be called to explain the reason for this delay,” lawyer Rajiv Yadav told The Tribune.