Former India great Mohammad Azharuddin summoned by ED in money laundering case

Cricketer-turned-pokitician Mohammad Azharuddin has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in money laundering case linked to Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).

The former President of HCA has been accused of misappropriating funds during his tenure. Azharuddin will appear before the ED on Thursday. The case pertains to alleged misappropriation of Rs. 20 crore, allocated for the procurement of diesel generators, firefighting systems, and canopies for the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.

This is the first time the Congress leader has been summoned by the agency, with instructions to appear before them to clarify his role in the financial transactions.

The ED initiated investigation on the basis of 3 FIRs registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Hyderabad, and the corresponding charge sheets filed by the ACB relating to criminal misappropriation of the funds of the Hyderabad Cricket Association to the tune of Rs. 20 Crore.

As per the charge sheets, despite deadlines, several works were delayed inordinately leading to escalated costs and budget enhancements and corresponding losses to the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

It was also revealed that the office bearers of the HCA, including its then secretary, president and vice-president and others, in collusion with private parties, arbitrarily got various tenders and works allotted to preferred vendors/contractors at higher than market rates without following proper tender processes and in many cases even before the receipt of quotations. 

Searches at the said premises also led to seizure of incriminating documents which reveal that the Visaka Industries and its group companies have been regularly indulging in large value cash transactions and cash payments related to their real estate activities. 

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