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India steps up tax probe into IPL | |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Indian tax officials have widened their investigation into alleged corruption in the lucrative Indian Premier League. | |
Tax officers raided at least four teams in the cricket tournament hours before the first semi-final began. | |
The offices of three companies with the rights to broadcast the hugely popular league's matches were also searched. | |
Security was tight around the stadium in Mumbai (Bombay) which is hosting the semi-finals after they were moved following weekend blasts in Bangalore. | |
Mumbai Indians, led by Sachin Tendulkar, were due to take on Royal Challengers Bangalore, captained by Anil Kumble, in Wednesday's match. | |
Resignation | |
The Indian Premier League (IPL) features some of the world's top cricketers. | |
The IPL is the world's richest cricket tournament | |
But correspondents say action off the field and the swirling allegations of sleaze, illegal betting and money laundering have been gripping the nation in recent days. | |
On Wednesday, tax officials searched the offices of IPL franchisees Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Deccan Chargers in Delhi and Kings XI in Chandigarh. | |
Earlier in the week officials visited the headquarters of the IPL in Mumbai. | |
The allegations were sparked off by a row between the IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi, and a government minister, Shashi Tharoor, over the ownership of a new IPL franchise. | |
Mr Tharoor was forced to resign after Mr Modi revealed that a close female friend of the minister was one of the stakeholders of the new team. | |
The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says this has led to top-to-bottom scrutiny of the cash-rich tournament with suggestions that more heads could roll. | |
Media reports suggest there are plans to force Lalit Modi from office. | Media reports suggest there are plans to force Lalit Modi from office. |
'All precautions' | 'All precautions' |
Police said at least 3,000 security personnel would ring the DY Patil stadium in Mumbai and every spectator would be checked. | |
"We have taken all precautions and every single spectator will be frisked before entering the stadium," Mumbai police chief AN Roy told the BBC. | |
Police say they are not leaving anything to chance | |
At least 60 metal detectors have been installed and closed-circuit cameras will keep an eye on every corner of the stadium, police say. | At least 60 metal detectors have been installed and closed-circuit cameras will keep an eye on every corner of the stadium, police say. |
The stadium will host semi-final matches on Wednesday and Thursday, before the third place play-off on Saturday and the final on Sunday. | The stadium will host semi-final matches on Wednesday and Thursday, before the third place play-off on Saturday and the final on Sunday. |
The venue was switched after two small bombs went off outside Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium before last Saturday's IPL game between Bangalore Royal Challengers and Mumbai Indians. | The venue was switched after two small bombs went off outside Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium before last Saturday's IPL game between Bangalore Royal Challengers and Mumbai Indians. |
A third device was defused on Sunday. | A third device was defused on Sunday. |
All three devices were hidden in the stadium's perimeter wall and the two explosions injured 15 people. | All three devices were hidden in the stadium's perimeter wall and the two explosions injured 15 people. |
The IPL has become a multi-billion dollar industry, which attracts some of India's wealthiest businessmen and women. | The IPL has become a multi-billion dollar industry, which attracts some of India's wealthiest businessmen and women. |