New Delhi:
With the spot-fixing probe widening and Mumbai Police likely to question Gurunath Meiyappan, the son-in-law of BCCI chief N Srinivasan, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader has said that Mr Srinivasan should step down.
"N Srinivasan should immediately resign keeping morality in mind, until the investigation is complete," NCP leader DP Tripathi said on Friday.
"Match fixing is there from a long time. I believe people involved in match fixing should be punished strictly. People found guilty should be given rigorous punishment of 10 years," he added.
The party has distanced itself from Mr Tripathi's comments. ''Demand of resignation of BCCI Chairman Mr N Srinivasan is not NCP's opinion. Its personal statement of Mr D P Tripathi. Various agencies are investigating for the same. Law will take its own course," NCP leader Nawab Malik said in a statement today.
Mr Meiyappan reached Mumbai this evening to appear before the police for questioning in connection with the IPL spot-fixing scandal. Actor Vindoo Dara Singh, who was arrested earlier this week for his alleged links with bookies, has told the Mumbai Police that he bet on games on Mr Meiyappan's behalf, claim sources. Vindoo has also reportedly said that Mr Meiyappan lost Rs 1 crore in betting.
However, Mr Srinivasan has reportedly refused to quit as the BCCI president, saying he has done no wrong. He has said that he was unaware of any betting activities by his son-in-law, claim sources in the Chennai franchise. He will be heading to Kolkata for the remaining two games of the IPL.
Mr Srinivasan, apart from being BCCI president is the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements, which owns Chennai Super Kings.
In a statement today, Indian Cements clarified that Mr Meiyappan is neither the Owner, nor CEO or Team Principal of Chennai Super Kings. He just an honorary member of the management, the statement said.