Government may employ another agency if needed: Dhindsa

This is the time for a long interval between episodes in the ongoing match-fixing drama. It looks as though the 'Hansiegate' scam is turning out to be a mega serial with occasional twists and turns. But in the last few days, the scandal has been pushed away from the headlines and the front pages of newspapers.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the match-fixing scandal in India has been playing a hide and seek game. The agency has no doubt started a nation wide hunt for Mukesh Gupta, an alleged bookie, who was named by former South African captain Hansie Cronje in his testimony before the King Commission. But there has been inordinate delay in summoning the three former Indian captains who may be able to provide some new information, vital to the probe.

Meanwhile, the Union Sports Minister SS Dhindsa said on Tuesday that the CBI was on the job. Asked by reporters in New Delhi as to what the government would do if the investigations by the CBI were found inadequate, Dhindsa said "if such a situation did arise, the government would have no hesitation in employing some other agency to probe the matter." But he did not say what other agency the government would approach. Dhindsa said "The CBI was handed over the investigations after mutual consultations with all concerned. If its work is not found to be satisfactory, we will have to sit and decide about other options."

Let's consider the positive side of Dhindsa's statement first. Given the complex nature of the case, the government with the help of the CBI seems determined to get those involved in bringing the game to disrepute to book. If required, the government has decided that it would not hestitate to take the assistance of other agencies if the need arises. If one looks on the negative side, the minister has indirectly accepted that the progress made by the CBI sleuths might not be satisfactory. However, CBI sources, while talking to a newspaper, said they have been collecting other information and charting out some strategies. "We like to do our homework," the sources added.

There's been a long pause between the grilling of Azharuddin and the next official or cricketer. As each day passes with no new information, there is a scope for cover-up by the concerned parties. If the agency had been waiting for some light from the South African inquiry, they have been provided with a few. Therefore it is up to the government and the agency to follow and speed up the process to nail all those involved as soon as possible. Otherwise it may prove to be too late.