Chikoti Praveen caught by Thailand police in gambling raid

 Hyderabad: A day after the arrest of casino organiser Chikoti Praveen, his associates and some Indian nationals in Thailand on Monday, a video of the accused was widely circulated on social media in which he purportedly claimed he was not involved in gambling and was arrested and penalised just because of his presence in the hotel at the time of the raids.

Speaking to reporters after completing legal procedures, Praveen claimed there was false propaganda being run against him.

He said that he came to Pattaya on an invitation from one Sitranan Kaewlor and another person Dev for a four-day poker event. He claimed he had warned them it was illegal but they had sent him a letter which said the event was permited.

He claimed his passport would have been confiscated if he was involved in any illegal activity. “ I was questioned. Not even arrested and I’m not even on bail. I was just fined. That was also because I was in the place at the time of the raid,” he said.

His associate Madhav Reddy suspected that they were trapped by rivals. They are expected to arrive in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

It was also found that along with Praveen and his associates, Gajularamaram village revenue assistant Vasu, Sagar, who is into sand transportation business, Praveen’s associates Varma, Sudarshan Reddy and Bharat Reddy were caught during the raid on Monday. They were also released.