HIGHLIGHTS
*Arbaaz Khan told the police that he was threatened by Jalan
*Jalan used recordings of calls, photos to blackmail the actor
*Police said Jalan has ties with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim
Even as Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan today admitted to his involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) betting case, more details of his links with the main accused Sonu Jalan have emerged.
The 50-year-old actor told the police that he had been invited by Jalan to Delhi. Khan added the pictures of him with Jalan were clicked during his meeting with him.
The actor revealed that he was being blackmailed by Jalan using the recordings of his calls to him. Khan said that Jalan also used the recordings of phone calls and photos to force him to attend events for him.
The police said that the actor placed bets over the phone. Khan, however, denied that he took money from the bets that he placed through Jalan. Incidentally, Khan and Jalan got into a spat last year after the latter asked him to pay Rs 2.75 crore for bets he had lost on cricket matches.
According to the statement, Khan told Jalan that he had never shown any balance sheets or accounts regarding the bets. Khan's enquiry about the Rs 2.75 crore led to an argument between the two parties. The actor, however, admitted that he had won another bet last year and it was because of this their dispute was settled.
BLACKMAILED TOP OFFICERS
In the recent past, Jalan had similarly blackmailed an Enforcement Directorate officer who was posted in Gujarat. The officer, who is facing corruption charges, is currently being questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Jalan, who was adept with technology, would record videos of officers and some celebrities. He even laid honeytraps during his meetings with these officers and celebrities.
Underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's aides Raees Farooqui and Anil Tunda had met Jalan in the past. Both Farooqui and Tunda are known for operating Dawood's betting syndicate.
JALAN HONEYTRAPPED POLICE OFFICERS
Jalan has been active in the betting circuit for the past 16 years. According to the police, a former police officer guided Jalan. In 2011, Jalan had honeytrapped another senior police officer.
The police will examine Jalan's bank accounts and email accounts. According to the police, Jalan ran an auto parts business to conceal his dealings. The police have extended remand of Jalan till June 6.
While the website Bet and Take is shut, the police is examining its server to find out the number of those who accessed it online and through mobile application.
Over the years, Jalan has bought properties worth crores in Mumbai. Recently, he purchased three flats amounting to Rs 10 crore. He presently, lives in a 3500 sq flat in western suburbs of Malad.
ACTOR TO BE MADE WITNESS
Meanwhile, sources from the Thane Police confirmed that Khan will be made witness in the case. According to the police, the prime accused Jalan had a network of 50 people who would receive bets from interested parties during cricket matches.
"My statement has been recorded. The police asked whatever they needed in this investigation and I answered them. I will continue to cooperate with them," said the actor earlier today.
The police have arrested six people in connection with the case.
"Arbaaz Khan's name came up in the case during the interrogation of Sonu Jalan. His statement has been recorded and some new names have cropped up. Action will be taken against them," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Abhishek Trimukhe.