Farooq Abdullah Summoned by ED for Questioning in J&K Cricket Association Fund Misappropriation Case

The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of the National Conference, Farooq Abdullah, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case. The investigative agency called him for questioning on Thursday (January 11) in Srinagar.

The Enforcement Directorate has taken action regarding irregularities in the funds of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). Both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are conducting investigations into this case. In 2022, the ED filed chargesheets in this case, and Farooq has already been questioned in connection with the matter.

Farooq Abdullah, an 86-year-old figure, served as the head of JKCA from 2001 to 2012. During 2004 and 2009, several individuals, including officials of JKCA, allegedly transferred funds from the association’s accounts to their personal bank accounts.

In 2018, based on charge sheets filed by the CBI, the ED initiated an investigation against the officials of the association. Farooq is accused of misusing his position as the head of the association to manipulate the funds related to the scandal of embezzlement sponsored by the BCCI.

The investigation into the alleged financial irregularities of around 113 crore INR in the JKCA started in 2015 when the case was handed over to the CBI. The case involves prominent figures, including former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Salim Khan, and Ahsan Ahmad Mirza. Ahsan Ahmad Mirza, the then treasurer of JKCA, was arrested by the ED in September 2019.

ED Issues 3 Summons to Kejriwal and 7 to Soren

The Enforcement Directorate has issued 3 summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and 7 summons to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Both leaders were not present during any of the summon dates. This has raised concerns that failure to cooperate in the investigation might lead to legal actions against them.

Arvind Kejriwal was summoned three times and informed of his presence obligation on November 2, December 21, and January 3. Kejriwal rejected attending, citing his busy schedule with preparations for the state elections and Republic Day. After receiving the summons on December 21, Kejriwal spent ten days in Hoshiarpur, Punjab.

At the same time, on January 3, Kejriwal announced that he is occupied with election preparations and the observance of Republic Day, making him unavailable for ED proceedings.

Farooq Abdullah Responds to ED’s Investigation: Strengthening Opposition Vital for Democracy

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is creating a fearful environment in the country. He emphasized that for the well-being of the country’s democracy, it is essential for the opposition, including the BJP, to remain vibrant.