Gavaskar's locker continues to be in the news

The initial figure was Rs 1.25 lakhs. Then unconfirmed reports inflated it to Rs 49 lakhs. And on Thursday, the amount was said to be Rs 7 lakhs. Whatever the figure, Sunil Gavaskar's locker at the Bombay Gymkhana Club continues to be in the news.

The batting legend was expected to attend the general body meeting of the club, called to discuss the large amount of money found in his locker. The issue not only has raised doubts as to how and from where Gavaskar got the money, but it has also thrown the club into turmoil. Members have complained about the negative publicity that the episode has given the club and there have been calls for the resignation for the club president Gautam Thakkar, said to be Gavaskar's close friend.

It was thought a clearer picture of the events would emerge following Gavaskar's explanation. But with the former Indian captain, who turns 51 on July 10, not making an appearance, no decision could be taken at the meeting on the course of any action to be taken against Gavaskar, according to club sources. Club authorities however admitted that a sum of Rs seven lakh - Rs 1.25 lakhs in Indian currency and the rest in Bangladesh, Sri Lankan and Pakistani currency - was found in Gavaskar's locker when it was forced open last September during renovation. The club had earlier said only Rs 1.25 lakh in Indian currency, Sri Lankan rupees and a few hundred Bangladeshi Takas, along with a negligible amount of US dollars were found in the locker after the income tax department had sent notices to the club management recently.