Hyderabad, Oct 3: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today summoned former cricketer and politician Mohammad Azharuddin in a money laundering investigation tied to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). Azharuddin, who previously served as the HCA president, is accused of misusing funds during his tenure. This is the first time the Congress leader has been asked by the ED to provide details regarding the financial transactions under scrutiny.
The case involves the alleged misappropriation of Rs 20 crore, earmarked for the purchase of diesel generators, firefighting systems, and other infrastructure at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Last November, the ED conducted searches at nine locations in Telangana under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
These searches, which targeted the residences of former HCA office bearers, including the president, vice president, and secretary, led to the seizure of digital devices, documents, and unaccounted cash. The investigation stems from FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Hyderabad Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), outlining the alleged misappropriation of HCA funds totaling Rs 20 crore.