Former HCA president Azharuddin questioned by ED over Rs 20 crore fraud case
Azharuddin appeared before the ED in connection with a Rs. 20 crore fraud case linked to irregularities during his tenure as HCA president.
HYDERABAD: Telangana Congress Working President and former Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president, Mohammad Azharuddin, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday as part of an investigation into a Rs. 20 crore fraud linked to the HCA. The ED had issued notices to Azharuddin in connection with alleged irregularities during his tenure as HCA president.
Speaking to the media outside the ED office in Hyderabad, Azharuddin dismissed the accusations as baseless and claimed that the allegations against him were unfounded.
Several complaints have been lodged against HCA for various financial irregularities between 2019 and 2023, leading to multiple FIRs registered by the Uppal Police and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). These include charges of misappropriation of funds related to the purchase of cricket balls, bucket chairs, and gym equipment. The ED has now expanded its investigation, registering a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED's investigation stems from these complaints, with previous interrogations of former HCA officials, including cricketers Arshad Ayub and Shivlal Yadav, who were questioned in December last year.
In connection with the same Rs. 20 crore fraud case, Bellampalli MLA and former HCA president Vinod was also issued notices by the ED last December and appeared for questioning earlier this year.
The ED previously conducted raids across nine locations in Telangana last November, seizing documents, digital devices, and Rs. 10,39,000 in cash. These investigations are ongoing as the ED continues to examine allegations of financial misconduct at the Uppal Stadium.