The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned cricketer-turned-politician Mohammed Azharuddin in a money laundering case linked to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).
Azharuddin, the former president of the HCA, is accused of misappropriating funds during his tenure.
The former Indian cricket captain and a former Member of Parliament, who is currently the working president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), has been asked to appear before the ED on Thursday.
The ED, which is probing the Rs 20 crore fraud in the HCA, had questioned former cricketers Arshad Ayub and Shivlal Yadav in December last year.
Former Minister and former HCA president G. Vinod was also questioned by the central agency.
In November last year, the ED carried out searches at the residences of Vinod, Shivlal Yadav and Arshad Ayub.
The searches were conducted at nine locations across the state under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The ED’s investigation was based on three FIRs registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Hyderabad, relating to criminal misappropriation of the funds of the HCA to the tune of Rs 20 crore.
The ACB had registered FIRs for alleged irregularities in the procurement of DG sets, firefighting systems and canopies for the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium construction. 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.
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.
Azharuddin was elected HCA president in 2019 and his term ended in February 2023 with the Supreme Court appointing a one-member committee to manage HCA and facilitate the conduct of elections. Azahruddin’s term saw infighting in the HCA and the warring groups approaching the Telangana High Court. The matter finally reached the Supreme Court, which constituted the one-member committed to clear the mess.
The Supreme Court-appointed committee had disqualified Azharuddin from contesting the HCA elections. He was removed from the list of voters on the grounds of conflict of interest as he was president of the Deccan Blues Cricket Club while serving as the president of HCA till early 2023.
Govt justifies deportation from US, cites diplomatic obligation
Calling for a focus on a strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday reiterated the universal obligation for countries to repatriate their nationals found living abroad illegally.
Saved from penal action, repatriated safely — how have things changed drastically for illegal Indian immigrants since 2014
Making a statement in Parliament, the EAM urged that the focus should instead remain on a strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry as the process of deportation is not new and has been ongoing for several years.
Emergency was aimed to pamper arrogance of Congress' royal family: PM Modi
Replying in Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, PM Modi highlighted how the Congress government during the 'Emergency' persecuted singer Kishore Kumar and actors Dev Anand and Balraj Sahni who refused to support it during that dark phase.
BJP ally Tipra Motha Party threatens to withdraw support if govt does not fulfil promises
Tripura's ruling coalition partner, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Thursday threatened to withdraw its support from the BJP-led government if the Centre did not fulfil the provisions of the tripartite accord signed on March 2 last year.
Not new procedure, been in place since 2009: EAM Jaishankar on deportation row
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that there has been "no change from the past procedure" in the deportation of illegal immigrants by the United States, emphasizing that the process is "not a new one".
Cong seeks discussion in LS, dignified treatment for deported Indians by US
The Indian nationals who were deported from the US for illegally arriving in the country on Wednesday claimed that they were sent back on the military aircraft with their hands and legs cuffed throughout the journey.
J&K mysterious deaths: All pesticide, insecticide shops sealed in Rajouri district
All pesticide and insecticide shops have been sealed by authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Rajouri district as part of preventive measures taken after 17 ‘mysterious deaths’ took place in Budhal village, officials said on Thursday.
Pariksha Pe Charcha: PM Modi to engage with students; Sadguru, Mary Kom, Deepika to join discussion
The much-anticipated eighth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' (PPC) is set to return in an expanded format, featuring an array of distinguished experts and guests, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.