Maninder Singh arrested with cocaine, admits the crime

May 23: Maninder Singh, former player who used to play for Indian cricket team has been arrested yesterday in connection with the buying of cocaine. On a tip off, the special Narcotics Branch of police chased a suspect namely Sayyam Siddique, a Nigerian peddlar, which led them to the house of Maninder Singh. The suspect and the former player were arrested on spot and cocaine worth Rs 5000 was seized by the police.

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Maninder Singh shot to fame during 1980s, when the left arm spinner was on the height of his career. He retired in 1993 and has been regularly appearing before the audience as a commentator and analyst. Singh also made his recent appearance during the World Cup Cricket comments and analysis sessions. However, his involvement in the crime has put on dark shades to his career. A day after his arrest, Singh admitted the illegal buying of the drugs for his personal consumption.

The Narcotic Branch of Delhi Police raided Maninderâ??s house, which is located in East Delhi, Preet Vihar. The Nigerian drug peddler identified as Sayyam Siddique, who was present along with Maninder Singh at the arrest time, used to put up in the vicinity, previously. The Nigerian was supposed to deliver the drugs to the cricketer, which eventually led to the arrest of the two.

Police has registered a case against the culprits under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotrophic Substances Act. They will be probably produced in the court today.

Under the Act, if the quantity seized is more than 2 gm then the detention is non-bailable and if it crosses 10 gm then it is more serious an offence and considered as trafficking. If the seized quantity remains 1.5 gm then Singh may get bail from the court.

So far as the peddler Sayyam Siddique or Samâ??s story goes, the officers of the Narcotic branch confirmed that Sayyam had been supplying drugs in the capital and the police were in search for the peddler.

Further interrogation of the peddler is expected to reveal more names of people engaged in this crime.