Former cricketer and Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case involving the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). Azharuddin is accused of misappropriating ₹20 crore during his tenure as the HCA president.
Key Highlights:
- The ED issued the summons, requiring Azharuddin to appear today in connection with allegations of fund mismanagement in the HCA.
- The case revolves around the misuse of ₹20 crore, allocated for the purchase of diesel generators, firefighting systems, and canopies for the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad’s Uppal.
- In October 2023, the Hyderabad Police filed four criminal cases accusing Azharuddin and former HCA officials of criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code.
- This legal action followed a forensic audit initiated by HCA CEO Suneel Kante Bose, which revealed fund mismanagement and diversion to private agencies.
Forensic Audit Findings
A forensic audit conducted between March 2020 and February 2023 uncovered irregularities in the management of HCA’s funds, leading to the current investigation.
Azharuddin Denies Allegations
Azharuddin dismissed the accusations as “false” and politically motivated. He stated, “This is just a ploy by my rivals to damage my reputation.”
Ongoing Investigation and Raids
In November 2023, a Hyderabad court granted Azharuddin anticipatory bail in three of the four criminal cases. Later, the ED conducted raids across nine locations in Telangana, including residences of former HCA officials. These raids led to the discovery of digital devices, incriminating documents, and unaccounted cash worth ₹10.39 lakh.
