Ranchi’s international cricket matches have long been plagued by ticket black marketing. In a significant crackdown, Ranchi police have apprehended three individuals for illegally selling match tickets just a day before the game. However, suspicions are high that the real masterminds behind this lucrative operation are operating from within the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA). While police have yet to target these insiders, it’s evident that tickets must have been leaked through unofficial channels. Investigators are now focusing on identifying which JSCA members facilitated the diversion of these tickets for profiteering.
Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda has publicly questioned the arbitrary distribution of match tickets on social media, with numerous reports surfacing about the unfair allocation process. Adding to the scandal, even media passes, intended for journalists, have not reached their rightful holders. Two key officials are reportedly responsible for this distribution lapse. Former cricket coach Jaykumar Sinha has been confirmed by media personnel as the final authority for media pass allocation. The other official implicated is Sanjay Pandey, who, according to JSCA sources, held the decision-making power regarding the number and distribution of media passes.
Acting on a tip-off, a specialized team from Dhurwa Police Station conducted a raid, apprehending the suspects red-handed with 13 tickets across various price categories. Led by Dhurwa Police Station in-charge Vimal Kindo, the police seized tickets valued at Rs 1200, Rs 1600, and Rs 1700, totaling 13 tickets worth thousands. During interrogation, the arrested individuals confessed to operating as a cartel. They allegedly bribed laborers and helpers at ticket counters to obtain extra tickets, which they then resold to eager fans at double or triple the face value. The source of these tickets for the accused has been temporarily set aside in the ongoing investigation.
Based on their statements, police have filed an FIR naming 10 more individuals, including Vishal Chikky, Jitendra Jaiswal, Amit Tobo, Santosh Kumar, Ritik Singh, Manish Kumar, and Sumit. Efforts are underway to locate and arrest the remaining suspects. Complaints of ticket scalping had been escalating around the JSCA stadium. Despite prior warnings from the administration, many cricket enthusiasts were reportedly compelled to purchase tickets at inflated prices.
