Jitendra Singh seeks strict action against those guilty of IPL 'spot fixing'

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Jitendra Singh on Thursday emphasized that strict action should be taken against all those who are found guilty of IPL spot fixing.

In a statement, Singh said: "It is very unfortunate that Delhi Police have arrested some cricket players for their alleged role in the spot fixing in the ongoing IPL tournament."

Singh has also spoken to the Chairman of the IPL, Rajeev Shukla, on the issue and impressed upon him to take urgent steps to put in place a mechanism to prevent such unethical activities and ensure clean sports in the country.

The minister also emphasized that strict action be taken against all those who are found guilty to serve as a deterrent to others.

Sending shock waves all over the Indian cricketing fraternity, Sreesanth has been arrested over charges of spot fixing in the ongoing IPL tournament, along with two other players of the Rajasthan Royals franchise, of which he is also a part.

The special cell of the Delhi police arrested Sreesanth from his friend's place in Mumbai while the other two cricketers were arrested on Wednesday night from the team hotel at Nariman Point for their alleged role in spot fixing.

The arrest took place immediately after the players returned to their team hotel, following their match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede stadium. The hosts won by 14 runs.

The Rajasthan Royals franchise, which is co-owned by Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, has said in statement that, "We are completely taken by surprise... We will fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. The management at Rajasthan Royals has a zero-tolerance approach to anything that is against the spirit of the game.