The CBI on Monday filed a charge sheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and three others in the J&K Cricket Association case, alleging misappropriation of ₹43.69 crore. Dr. Abdullah was the Association president. “The charge sheet also names the then Association general secretary Mohammed Salim Khan, treasurer Ahsan Ahmed Mirza and J&K Bank executive Basheer Ahmad Misgar,” a CBI official said. Between 2002 and 2011, the BCCI gave the Association ₹112 crore for promotion of cricket. Of this, ₹43.69 crore was ‘siphoned off.’
The agency has invoked provisions alleging criminal conspiracy and breach of trust against the accused. The FIR was registered in September 2015 on a directive of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court that the case, filed at a Srinagar police station in March 2012, be transferred to the CBI.
The agency said that during the period under scrutiny, the then Association president had ‘connived’ with the treasurer and others in the ‘misappropriation’ of funds.
In his reaction, Dr. Abdullah said: “I have full faith in the judicial system and re-assert my commitment to cooperate with the court’s proceedings in the matter relating to certain financial transactions.” He is in London and issued the statement from there.
A National Conference spokesman said Dr. Abdullah, who had sought the registration of an FIR in this matter, “has led his life guided by the strictest principles of selfless public service and probity.” “The rank and file of the party draws inspiration from Dr. Abdullah’s resolve to fight earnestly for the truth to be upheld and continues to fully support him in this endeavour,” said the spokesman.
Dr. Abdullah’s son, Omar Abdullah, tweeted: “I have no doubt at the end of the legal process my father will be found innocent & free of any allegations of wrongdoing.”
