Dravid to be prosecution witness in IPL spot-fixing case

In an effort to make a strong case in the IPL spot fixing scandal, Delhi Police has roped in Rajasthan Royals captain Rahul Dravid as a prosecution witness in the case.

A team of Special Cell of Delhi Police recorded the statement of the former Indian captain at his Bengaluru residence last Wednesday under section 161 of the CrPC. Considering Dravid's star status and respectable standing, Delhi Police did not summon him to their Delhi office like Raj Kundra, police said.

Also read: IPL spot-fixing: ED widens probe

According to a senior police officer, Dravid in his statement said that he felt cheated by the conduct of S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila when he first heard about the news.

Dravid was asked whether he had any inkling that the three players were under-performing and whether there was any pressure to select them in the final eleven, police said.

"I never had any doubt about these players. I used to select players on a match-to-match basis," Dravid said in his statement.

The officer said that no fingers have been raised against Dravid in this case. They had recorded his statement in order to nail the tainted trio and make a strong chargesheet. Special Cell also plan to record the statement of Rajasthan Royals' coach Paddy Upton, who is in South Africa.

"Upton could also be made a prosecution witness once he returns to India," the officer said.