Azharuddin denies misappropriation of HCA funds after FIR, calling it false and motivated
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Hyderabad: An FIR has been filed against former Indian cricket team captain and ex-president of the Hyderabad Cricket Academy (HCA), Mohammed Azharuddin over the alleged misappropriation of HCA funds. The controversy erupted after Azharuddin was disqualified from contesting HCA elections for violating terms.
The allegations suggest that Azharuddin diverted funds to private agencies, claiming the supplies were for the HCA. The misappropriation, reportedly occurring between March 2020 and February 2023, was revealed during a forensic audit by a private firm.
The audit specifically pointed to irregularities in the procurement of gym equipment, cricket balls, fire extinguishers, and bucket seats.
In response, Azharuddin took to social media, dismissing the accusations as "false and motivated." He labelled the controversy as a "stunt pulled by rivals to ruin my reputation" and promised a detailed response at an appropriate time.
HCA CEO Suneel Kante Bose lodged a complaint against Azharuddin and other former office bearers. Reports indicate that the Congress party may reconsider Azharuddin as a candidate for the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency in the forthcoming Telangana Assembly elections.
Instead, they are said to be considering P Vishnuvardhan Reddy, son of former Congress Leader P Janardhan Reddy, possibly due to the criminal cases registered against Azharuddin.