Former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin appears at ED office in money laundering probe | WATCH

Hyderabad (Telangana): Former Indian cricket captain and Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin arrived at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Hyderabad on Tuesday following a summons related to an alleged money laundering case tied to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).

The ED summoned Azharuddin last Thursday as part of its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The case involves allegations of misappropriation of funds during his time as president of the HCA.

In November of last year, the ED conducted searches at nine locations in Telangana, including the homes of key HCA officials Gaddam Vinod, Shivlal Yadav, and Arshad Ayub, who held various leadership roles within the association. These searches led to the recovery of digital devices, important documents, and unaccounted cash totaling Rs 10.39 lakh.

One of the locations searched was identified as an office for several companies linked to Gaddam Vinod’s brother, Gaddam Vivekanand, a former Member of Parliament.

The ED began its investigation based on three FIRs filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Hyderabad, which included charges of criminal misappropriation of Rs 20 crore from the HCA.

The charges allege significant irregularities in the procurement of equipment for the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad. According to the chargesheets, numerous projects were delayed, resulting in increased costs and financial losses for the HCA.

It was also found that HCA officials, including the Secretary, President, and Vice-President, allegedly colluded with private parties to award contracts to favoured vendors at inflated prices, often without proper tender processes and before receiving quotes. Many contractors received advance payments but failed to complete the work.

Agency