IPL spot-fixing case: Cops recover mobile phone from Gurunath Meiyappan's plush yacht

Chennai: The Mumbai Police has recovered a mobile phone from a yacht belonging to BCCI chief N Srinivasan's son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan, who was arrested last week on charges of betting. The cellphone, which was found during a search of the plush, 70-foot yacht berthed at the Chennai Marina, could provide vital clues to the cops in their probe into spot-fixing in the just-concluded edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Sources say that three of the four cellphones that the police had been looking for, have now been recovered; the phones, the police say, were used by Mr Meiyappan to place bets.

Cops had, on Sunday, reportedly recovered a diary during searches at Mr Meiyappan's residence in Chennai that suggest he had a key position in CSK. They had also reportedly found visiting cards that describe him as the Team Principal of CSK. Mr Srinivasan, his father-in-law, though claims that he was merely an "enthusiastic" supporter who travelled with the team.

The contents of the diary, though, seem to suggest otherwise. Sources in the Mumbai Police say that the diary, carrying CSK's insignia, contains details of the team, including players' forms. Cops also reportedly found auction bids at his residence in their eight-hour-long search, as also T-shirts bearing the team's logo and the 190 visiting cards.

In fact, an e-mail sent by IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla on December 24, 2011 to all team owners also mentions Mr Meiyappan's name as one of the recipients, further contradicting Mr Srinivasan's claim.

The police, sources say, are also planning to issue summons to a Chennai hotelier - reportedly known to Mr Meiyappan - whose interrogation is being considered as crucial in the ongoing probe.

Mr Meiyappan was arrested on Saturday after being named by Vindoo Dara Singh, a small-time actor who was arrested for alleged links with bookies, suspected of spot-fixing IPL games. Mr Singh has allegedly told the police that he placed bets on behalf of Mr Meiyappan, who has been remanded to police custody till May 29.