Sanjeev Chawla gets bail, Delhi Police asks for order to be stayed

Delhi Police has challenged the bail granted to alleged bookie Sanjeev Chawla. Chawla had been granted bail by a trial court in Delhi on Friday, before the police took the matter before the Delhi High Court. The High Court has reserved its order, asking both parties to put together their responses.

Chawla had been extradited to India from the UK in February. He is one of the primary accused in the 2000 match-fixing scandal that involved former South African captain Hansie Cronje.

Chawla's extradition was sought by Delhi Police, who had filed a chargesheet in 2013, naming him along with five others including the late Cronje, for cheating and conspiracy to cheat, criminal offences under the Indian Penal Code. The others accused in the case were: Rajesh Kalra, Krishan Kumar, Sunil Dara - all three based in India - and Manmohan Khattar, who is believed to be living overseas.

After extradition, following a brief period of police custody, Chawla was moved to Tihar Jail to wait out judicial proceedings. But Chawla filed for bail, saying he could be infected by the novel Coronavirus inside Tihar Jail.

Delhi Police, in turn, said Chawla might look to flee if granted bail.

Indian Express reported that the next hearing in the case will be on May 14.