Former captain of Indian Cricket team summoned by ED in money laundering case
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ October 3,2024
Cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in money laundering case linked to Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).
Former captain of Indian cricket team and HCA, Mohammad Azharuddin is accused of misappropriating funds during his tenure. The former Indian cricket captain and current working president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) has been summoned to appear before the ED on Thursday.
This is the first summons issued to the Congress leader, requiring him to appear before the ED, today. The former India captain, however, didn’t appear in the office and sought time.
The case involves allegations that Azhar misused Rs 20 crore allocated for the procurement of diesel generators, firefighting systems, and canopies for the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, the ED initiated its investigation based on three FIRs filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Hyderabad, with corresponding charge sheets indicating criminal misappropriation of HCA funds.There were also allegations that despite deadlines, several works were delayed inordinately, leading to escalated costs and budget enhancements and corresponding losses to the HCA.
Former captain of Indian Cricket team summoned by ED in money laundering case. Former Minister and former HCA president G. Vinod was also questioned by the central agency.
As per reports, in October last year, four criminal cases were registered against Azharuddin and others for alleged misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 3.85 crore. The cases were booked at Uppal Police Station under Rachakonda Police Commissionerate. The funds meant for the purchase of cricket balls, gym equipment, fire safety equipment and chairs at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, were allegedly misappropriated, it was alleged.
Azharuddin and others were charged with criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.
A city court later granted anticipatory bail to Azharuddin in four cases for alleged misappropriation of HCA funds.The former cricketer had termed the allegations false and motivated.
