Former Indian batsman Jacob Martin, who represented India in 10 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), was taken into police custody in Vadodara early Tuesday morning after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing his luxury SUV into multiple parked cars, police said.
Crash in Akota: Luxury SUV Slams Into Parked Cars
At around 2:30 am near Punit Nagar Society in the Akota area, 53-year-old Martin reportedly lost control of his MG Hector while allegedly intoxicated, sending the vehicle careering into three parked cars outside a residential property.
Officials from the Akota Police Station confirmed that the SUV struck the vehicles, causing significant damage but fortunately no injuries were reported at the scene.
Police Case Filed Under Rash & Drunk Driving Laws
Based on a complaint by one of the car owners, police registered a case against Martin under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to reckless and drunk driving. Authorities also impounded Martin’s MG Hector as part of the ongoing investigation.
“Early investigation shows the accused was under the influence of alcohol,” an officer from the Akota police told reporters. Martin was later arrested following routine sobriety and control checks.
Cricket Career: From International Stage to Domestic Leadership
Jacob Martin’s cricketing journey spans more than just international appearances. A right-handed middle-order batsman, he featured in 10 ODIs for India between 1999 and 2001, making valuable contributions to the national side during that period.
In domestic cricket, Martin was a stalwart for Baroda, amassing thousands of first-class runs and captaining the side in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. His aggressive batting style made him a household name among Gujarati cricket fans.
Past Controversies and Legal Troubles
This is not the first time Martin has been in the spotlight for off-field issues. In 2011, he was arrested by the Delhi Police in a human trafficking case, attracting widespread media attention.
Despite his achievements on the field, Martin’s post-retirement years have included a mix of coaching roles, business ventures, and occasional brushes with controversy.
What’s Next?
As the Vadodara police continue their investigation, legal proceedings are expected to unfold under traffic and safety laws. With no reported injuries from the crash, authorities are now focused on establishing the full sequence of events and pressing charges where applicable.
Sources: Multiple media reports
Leave a Comment