Jacob Martin arrested in human-trafficking case

Jacob Martin, the former India batsman, has been arrested in Delhi on Tuesday night in connection with a 2003 human-trafficking case. The case, registered at the Indira Gandhi International Airport police station, alleged that Martin had taken a youth to the UK on the pretext of playing cricket there in exchange for money.

The issue came to notice, according to a PTI report, when one Nimesh Kumar was found travelling with a fake passport. He subsequently disclosed that his trip had been arranged with the help of Martin and an associate for a sum of Rs 7 lakh.

"Martin formed a bogus team - 'Ajwa Sports Club' - and identified himself as a playing member," RA Sanjeev, the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, was quoted as saying by PTI.

According to the report, Martin was repeatedly asked to assist the investigation but refused to do so. The Supreme Court, last week, rejected an anticipatory bail plea filed by Martin and asked him to surrender. The Delhi Police announced a cash reward of Rs 25,000 for anyone who would provide information about him.

Martin played 10 ODIs for India between September 1999 and October 2001, averaging 22.57. He represented Baroda and Railways on the Indian domestic circuit, and his last first-class appearance was in December 2009.