Farooq Abdullah Misses Second ED Summons Amidst J-K Cricket Association Scam
- Posted on February 13, 2024
- Politics
- By Arijit Dutta
- 225 Views
National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah has evaded another summons from the Enforcement Directorate related to the J-K Cricket Association scam, citing being out of town. The investigation focuses on funds diversion during Abdullah's tenure as JKCA President. ED's pursuit continues despite Abdullah's repeated non-appearances.
National
Conference president Farooq Abdullah chose to skip his second summons from the Enforcement
Directorate (ED) regarding the alleged money laundering case associated
with the J-K Cricket Association. Despite being called to appear in Srinagar,
Abdullah informed the agency of his unavailability, citing current travel
obligations. This marks his continued evasion of direct inquiry into the
scandal.
The
ED's investigation centers on accusations of funds diversion during Abdullah's
tenure as the President of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).
The agency's probe stems from a 2018 charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau
of Investigation (CBI), implicating several individuals, including Abdullah.
In
2022, Abdullah was formally charge-sheeted in connection with the case, which
involves the misappropriation of funds allocated to the JKCA, amounting to Rs
43.6 crore. These alleged irregularities occurred between 2001 and 2012, during
Abdullah's leadership of the cricket association. The scandal came to light
after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allocated Rs 112 crore
to the JKCA.
Despite the gravity of the allegations and repeated summons from the ED, Abdullah has consistently avoided direct interrogation. His non-appearance raises questions about accountability and transparency in sports administration and political leadership. The ED's pursuit of Abdullah's deposition highlights the agency's commitment to unraveling financial malpractice and ensuring justice in high-profile corruption cases.
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Assets
worth Rs 21.55 crore have already been seized by the ED in connection with the
investigation, indicating the significant scope of the alleged financial
irregularities. Abdullah's continued evasion of summons underscores the
complexity and sensitivity of the case, which has broader implications for
governance and accountability.
The
former Chief Minister's reluctance to cooperate with the investigation prolongs
the legal proceedings and delays potential resolution. As the inquiry unfolds,
the spotlight remains on Abdullah's role and the broader implications for
political ethics and institutional integrity. The ED's persistence in pursuing
the case reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating
corruption at all levels.