Srinagar: A Sessions Court here has rejected anticipatory bail pleas filed by Surender Khanna, described as “League Commissioner” of the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), and Nirmal Sidhu of the organising Yuva Society in a multi-crore fraud case alleging cheating of players, hoteliers, spectators and young cricketers.
Additional Sessions Judge Farooq Ahmad Bhat directed both accused to surrender before the investigating agency or the competent court for custodial interrogation in accordance with law.
“The investigating agency shall take all measures available to him under a procedure established by law. Both the petitions are accordingly disposed of and shall be consigned to records after due completion under rules,” the court said while dismissing the pleas.
The court observed that granting anticipatory bail at this stage would adversely affect further investigation. It noted that the probe may not be possible without arrest and custodial interrogation and that nothing substantial had been presented by the petitioners to justify grant of pre-arrest bail. The judge also held there was a likelihood of the accused obstructing the course of justice.
However, the court granted interim protection, directing that no coercive action, including arrest, shall be taken against the petitioners until the next date of hearing or further orders. The police investigation, the court clarified, may continue meanwhile.
According to a complaint filed by Zubair Bashir Dar, the IHPL cricket league was organised by representatives of the Yuva Society, who invited national and international players and support staff to Srinagar after promising professional contracts, participation payments and full hospitality.
On these assurances, players travelled from different parts of India and abroad for matches scheduled at Bakshi Stadium and other venues. The complaint alleged the organisers arranged hotel accommodation and meals for participants while assuring hotel authorities that expenses would be settled directly by them.
Dar alleged that in the early hours of November 2, 2025, the organisers fled without clearing hotel dues or payments owed to players and support staff, leaving participants stranded. He further claimed the organisers switched off their phones and became untraceable.
Police informed the court that the organisers also collected money from spectators through ticket sales and charged local cricketers trial fees ranging between ₹1,100 and ₹1,700. Investigators said bank statements reflected transactions exceeding ₹4 crore in the Yuva Society’s accounts during the year, terming it a major economic offence involving alleged cheating of multiple stakeholders.
In his plea, Khanna denied involvement, stating he was merely invited as the “face of the league” due to his cricketing background and had presided over the inaugural ceremony and press conference. His counsel argued he was neither a member of the Yuva Society nor involved in financial dealings and had joined the investigation whenever summoned, adding that arrest would amount to punitive detention before trial.
Sidhu, in his petition, contended he was not named in the FIR and no specific role had been attributed to him. His counsel described the matter as a commercial dispute over alleged non-payment of dues that had been given a criminal colour and argued custodial interrogation was unnecessary.
Opposing the pleas, police told the court that one accused had already been arrested and charge-sheeted, while efforts were underway to trace others. Investigators maintained that custodial interrogation of both petitioners was required to trace funds, identify beneficiaries and uncover the wider conspiracy.
After examining case records, witness statements and legal precedents, the court emphasised that anticipatory bail is discretionary and must balance individual liberty with the need for a fair investigation. Observing serious allegations of a pre-planned scheme to induce stakeholders to part with money and misappropriate funds, the court held custodial interrogation necessary to trace the money trail and determine the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests, along with a supplementary charge sheet, may follow.
