Digital Scoop India Official Platform of Digital Scoop India Featuring Latest & Best News #Articles #Bytes #Entertainment #DigitalScoopMagazine
Related Articles
Cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). Azharuddin, who previously served as the HCA president, is accused of misappropriating funds during his tenure, particularly relating to a sum of ₹20 crore allocated for essential infrastructure at the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad.
This marks the first summons issued to Azharuddin, requiring him to appear before the ED on Thursday. However, the former Indian cricket captain did not attend the scheduled meeting and has requested additional time to comply. The case revolves around the alleged misappropriation of funds designated for procuring diesel generators, firefighting systems, and canopies for the stadium.
The ED’s investigation stems from earlier searches conducted in November 2023, where the agency raided nine locations across Telangana under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. These searches targeted residences of past office-bearers of the HCA, including Gaddam Vinod, Shivlal Yadav, and Arshad Ayub, who held the positions of president, vice-president, and secretary, respectively. The operation yielded significant findings, including the seizure of digital devices, incriminating documents, and unaccounted cash amounting to ₹10.39 lakh.
The ED’s investigation was initiated following three FIRs filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Hyderabad, which highlighted serious irregularities in the procurement process for the stadium’s required infrastructure. The charge sheets filed by the ACB alleged that, despite strict deadlines, numerous projects experienced extensive delays, leading to inflated costs and financial losses for the HCA.
According to the charge sheets, HCA office bearers, in collusion with private parties, engaged in dubious practices, securing tenders and project allocations to favored vendors at prices significantly above market rates, often without adhering to proper tender processes. Many contractors received advance payments but failed to deliver the promised work.
The investigation also revealed that Visaka Industries and its affiliated companies were involved in substantial cash transactions related to their real estate ventures. The seized documents pointed to numerous instances of cash receipts and adjustments made in the company’s books, indicating potential financial misconduct.
As the inquiry progresses, Azharuddin’s response and cooperation will be closely monitored as the ED seeks to clarify his involvement in the ongoing investigation into the financial discrepancies surrounding the Hyderabad Cricket Association.
Sources By Agencies
