IPL beefs up security for Lalit Modi following reports of threat to his life

Johannesburg, Apr.14 (ANI): Following media reports about a threat on the life of Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi, security agencies have reworked their plans to thwart any attempt on Modi's life.

The South African security agency, Nicholls and Steyn, which is looking after security arrangement for the IPL's second season, said it has taken all necessary steps in this regard.

"We are aware of it and we have taken the necessary precautions. I'm not going into any details on that," The News quoted the joint owner of the security agency Bob Nicholls, as saying.

Media reports had claimed that a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel is planning to target Modi either in India or South Africa during the IPL.

A Mumbai based tabloid also claimed that security agencies have intercepted a telephonic conversation between the gang members, the transcript of which shows that orders have been issued to target Modi.

According to reports, Shakeel could target Modi for number of reasons, the shifting of the tournament from India would cost the underworld gang millions of dollars as they would have to shift their betting operations to South Africa.

Modi's refusal to pay an extortion amount and his decision to keep Pakistani players out from the IPL's second season could also be other reasons. (ANI)