/ 15 April 2000

INDIAN BUSINESSMAN BACK IN CUSTODY

INDIAN businessman Rajesh Kalra, arrested in connection with cricket match- fixing allegations, was remanded in custody by the revenue department for two days on Thursday. Metropolitan Magistrate Praveen Kumar remanded Kalra under the Enforcement Directorate’s custody for questioning on foreign exchange transactions, the assistant legal adviser of the quasi-judicial body said. Former South African captain Hansie Cronje, alleged to be involved in the match-fixing scandal, was sacked as skipper on Tuesday for taking between $10,000 and $15,000 from a bookmaker for information and forecasting on one-day matches, but has denied any involvement in match-fixing. The assistant legal adviser, A.C. Singh, urged the Delhi court to remand Kalra as the Enforcement Directorate wants to interrogate him on alleged large-scale violation of foreign exchange laws. Tax officials said they want to question Kalra about allegations of illegal foreign exchange transactions. Kalra, who was arrested on Friday, will appear in court again on April 15.