Bookie Sonu Jalan tried to trap and drag actresses, models into the betting racket: Avantika Gaokar

Bookie Sonu Jalan tried to trap and drag actresses, models into the betting racket: Avantika Gaokar

Bollywood actress Avantika Gaokar who is currently shooting for a film in Lucknow, today made a shocking revelation. Speaking to this reporter over phone from Lucknow, she alleged that flamboyant bookie Sonu Jalan aka Sonu Malad, who has underworld connections with Ravi Pujari and Dawood Ibrahim was fond of socializing with aspiring models and actresses as well as visiting dance and ladies bars and 'having fun' with the bar girls. "He loved the good life and was a womanizer," Gaokar said.

Sonu Jalan was arrested by the Thane Anti Extortion cell (AEC) headed by former encounter specialist PI Pradeep Sharma. His interrogation led to several big Bollywood names popping out. Salman Khan's brother Arbaaz Khan was already summoned for questioning and he has admitted to betting via Jalan for the last 6 years. He also admitted that he lost about Rs 3 crore in the process and was being threatened and blackmailed by Sonu Jalan and gangster Ravi Pujari.

Speaking exclusively to IndiaScoops.com, Avantika Gaokar said, "Jalan was fond of flaunting his underworld and Bollywood connections. He had approached me through another Malad-based bookie in 2017 to join his racket, but I had flatly refused. The bookie by the name of Ranjit who worked for Jalan put me on the phone with him. On the phone Jalan told me that many models work for him indirectly as tippers and earn Rs 1-2 lakh per month. He mentioned the names of 2-3 well known upcoming actresses who are working with him. He is involved in every single match, no matter which part of the world it is being played in. He told me one of the actresses was able to purchase a flat in Lokhandwala within 2 years of working with him.

Jalan used the models as honey traps to lure high net worth businessmen. The 'girls' were used to trap the businessmen or even do regular 'business' with them. The WhatsApp messages, conversations and images were later on used by Jalan and his network for recovery of pending dues.