Jadeja's locker opened, IT contacts Ajay Sharma

Income Tax authorities on Wednesday sent a written request to former Indian batsman Ajay Sharma, who is currently in England playing league cricket, asking him to intimate them regarding his arrival in India. Press Trust of India, quoting IT sources, said that the department had sent the letter and are waiting for his reply after which further action could be determined.

The IT officials during the two day long raids last month had sealed Sharma's residence and office premises. Sharma, who has been alleged to be a conduit between the cricketers and the bookmakers was recently questioned by the two member CBI investigation team comprising of Joint Director RN Sawani and Deputy Inspector General YK Singh in London.

In New Delhi, IT officials, after having questioned Ajay Jadeja as soon as he returned from London, opened his lockers on Wednesday. United News of India, while reporting that the officials had opened the locker, said the authorities were in the process of going through the contents. The officials had questioned both Jadeja and Azharuddin on Tuesday as soon as they returned to the country after participating in a charity match in London.

Speaking to the press, Jadeja praised the mode of operation followed by the IT officials. Quoting Jadeja, UNI said ``the officials have been nice and I am happy for the manner in which they are carrying out the exercise.''

Meanwhile, Indian off spinner Nikhil Chopra called the IT authorities from London and informed that he would be filing a statement of his accounts as soon as he returned.

On a separate front, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday modified its bail order against the alleged bookie Rajesh Kalra. Justice RS Sodhi modifying the strict conditions in the bail order, said the prayer in his petition appears to be reasonable and he would not need the trial court's permission to move within the National Capital Region.