Telangana HC orders setting up of CB-CID SIT to probe HCA 'irregularities'

Hyderabad, April 24: The Telangana High Court has ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CB-CID to probe alleged irregularities in the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

Disposing of a writ petition filed by Safilguda Cricket Club president C Sanjeev Reddy, Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka directed the Director General of Police to set up the SIT, to be headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police.

The court directed the SIT to register an appropriate case and investigate allegations relating to the administrative, managerial and financial affairs of the association.

It further ordered that the HCA function under the supervision of retired High Court judge P Naveen Rao, who is part of a single-member committee overseeing its functioning, particularly cricketing affairs, citing “the kind of the mess” it is in and the excessive involvement of vested interests.

The court said the SIT would be at liberty to examine material already on record, including reports submitted earlier by retired judges of the Supreme Court and High Court, and to collect further evidence during the probe.

The petitioner alleged “continuing, recurring and systemic failures in the administration, financial management and governance” of the HCA.

The petition was disposed of with directions for investigation.