Azhar should face CBI, says Minister

NEW DELHI, JUNE 17. The Union Minister of State for Sports, Mr. Shahnawaz Hussain, today described as ``unfortunate'' former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin's remark that he was being dragged into the match-fixing controversy as he was from a minority community. He said Azhar should come forward and face the CBI, which is investigating the case.

``Azhar should not forget that he was accepted as a cricketing hero by people from all communities. Thus, he should refrain from raising communal issues and should clarify his stand to the CBI.'' Mr. Hussain concurred with the suggestion of the Sports Minister, Mr. S.S. Dhindsa, that players figuring in matchfixing allegations should step down until things become clear.

Sports policy

Talking to a news channel, Mr. Hussain said the Government is soon coming out with a new sports policy with a provision for strict punishment for players who are proved guilty in match- fixing.

``The honour of the nation lies with them.... Matchfixers should be treated as traitors.'' He also said the Sports Ministry would advise the BCCI to drop tainted players till they come out clean after the inquiry.

- UNI

3 bookies remanded

PTI reports from Calcutta:

Three bookies, arrested on charges of cricket betting, were remanded to police custody till June 30 by a city court.

The three were arrested while conducting cricket betting from their central Calcutta residence on Friday. Some documents, a huge amount of cash and computer diskettes containing reports of cricket matches were recovered from their possession.

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