Arrested Rajasthan Royals player Ajit Chandila had received Rs.12 lakh for spot fixing in IPL 2012 matches, Delhi Police said Thursday.
"Chandila received the money from arrested bookie Sunil Bhatia for spot fixing in last year's matches," said a police official after custodial questioning of the two accused.
Since Chandila could not make it to the playing 11 in all his team matches, Bhatia asked him to return part of his money, police said.
Chandila, police sources said, could play only three to four matches last year and that was why he could not do spot fixing. He allegedly agreed to pay back Rs.4 lakh through cheque.
"He managed to return Bhatia's money before this year's IPL," said an official.
The cricketer issued a cheque of Rs.4 lakh to Bhatia Dec 12, 2012 but it bounced on being presented. He again issued a cheque Feb 10 this year but that was also dishonoured. The third cheque for the same amount was issued a few days later and that was deposited in the receiver's account, he said.
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"It was (arrested player) Baburao Yadav who introduced Chandila to Bhatia. After getting a hattrick last year, it was clear that he would play more matches. So the bookie kept in approached him this time again," a senior police official said.
Sources said they were also verifying whether Chandila bought properties in the last two years.
They also said police has issued 'look out notices' against some people in connection with the spot fixing scandal besides asking official broadcaster Set Max to provide raw footage of all matches involving Rajasthan Royals.
As some people linked to bookies were absconding, sources said, the police have issued the 'look out notices' against them to ensure that they do not leave the country.
On the role of other players, including foreigners, the official said they were hoping to proceed further and the investigations were still "wide open".
However, he added that they have nothing concrete to nail anybody as of now.
Police refused to identify these people, saying it may hamper their probe. They also sought from the Singapore headquarters of Set Max raw footage of all matches of Rajasthan Royals for further clues.
Sources said besides accused, they are also talking to "others" in connection with the case. If there is credible evidence or input, sources said they may ask players to stay back.
"As of now, there is nothing to suggest that the involvement of other players," they said. Police also sent teams to various places in south India.
Delhi Police have arrested Rajasthan Royals cricketers S. Sreesanth, Chandila and Ankeet Chavan and 11 bookies in a post-midnight operation in Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad May 16, exposing the spot fixing scam.
More arrests of former players and bookies followed.