Warrant against Goa chief in relation to 2001 fake-tickets charge

A non-bailable warrant has been issued against Goa Cricket Association president Vinod Phadke in connection with an alleged fake-ticket scam in the lead-up to India's ODI against Australia, which was played at the Fatorda stadium on April 6, 2001.

According to PTI, a case has been registered against the then GCA president Dayanand Narvekar and Phadke, along with other GCA officials, for allegedly getting excess tickets and complementary passes printed. While the stadium's capacity was 27,000, more than 29,000 tickets and passes were reportedly printed.

The warrant has now been issued by the court of judicial magistrate first class, Margao, since Phadke or his lawyer failed to appear before the court for Thursday's hearing. The GCA president had earlier sought exemption from personal appearance which was rejected by the court.

Margao police had charged Narvekar and Phadke for allegedly entering into a criminal conspiracy with the ticket contractor, Chinmay Fallari, by manipulation in the tender for a consideration of Rs 68 lakh. The case is now posted for hearing on August 29.