Former India cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who is also a Congress leader, on Tuesday, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate-ED office here in Hyderabad. Azharuddin responded to a summons issued in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to the Hyderabad Cricket Association-HCA.
ED summoned Azharuddin on Thursday. The case relates to alleged misappropriation of funds during his tenure as president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, of 2002.
ED conducted searches at nine places in Telangana in November last. The searches were part of an ongoing investigation related to HCA. The ED targeted the residences of Gaddam Vinod, Shivlal Yadav, and Arshad Ayub, who had all served as President, Vice President, and Secretary of HCA at various times. Additionally, the agency carried out searches at multiple locations connected to them.
ED searched the office-cum-residential premises of Gaddam Vivekanand, a former Member of Parliament. The raids had led to the seizure of digital devices, incriminating documents, and unaccounted cash to the tune of Rs 10.39 lakh.
One of the main seizures was at the premises of Gaddam Vinod. The place was allegedly being used as an office for various companies owned by his brother, Gaddam Vivekanand.
The investigation began after three FIRs were filed with the ACB, Hyderabad. Chargesheets filed by the ACB said there was a serious irregularity in the misappropriation of Rs. 20 crore of HCA funds. Delays in the execution of works on DG sets, firefighting, and canopies for the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad, led to cost escalation and budget overrun.
The chargesheets revealed that HCA office bearers allegedly colluded with private parties to rig tenders, award works to favored vendors at inflated rates, and make advance payments for works that they never executed. Furthermore, they bypassed proper procedures, leading to significant financial discrepancies. Many contractors received payments but did not carry out the work.
Azharuddin’s appearance at the ED office marks another big development in the ongoing investigation into the finances of the HCA.
ANI
