PANJIM: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to launch a probe into the alleged financial fraud case involving three Goa Cricket Association (GCA) officials, currently out on conditional bail.
In another revelation, it has come to the fore that a team of Economic Offences Cell (EOC) has stumbled upon a crucial evidence in the form of a photocopy of a cheque that was allegedly deposited in a private account by GCA president Chetan Desai, secretary Vinod Phadke and treasurer Akbar Mulla. The officials have however refused to confirm the development.
Meanwhile, sources said that ED has taken cognizance of a fresh complaint filed by GCA life member and former secretary Prasad Fatarpekar that the trio allegedly siphoned off Rs 3.13 crore – sent by BCCI – for personal gains instead of putting it to use to promote cricket and upcoming cricketers in the State. The complainant has sought to inquire into the financial dealings of the GCA since 2007 onwards. The complaint copy also mentions that Rs 26 lakh were allegedly withdrawn from GCA account, claiming it was paid to one ‘Hako’ company. However, the company has denied receiving any such payments.
“We will inquire into the allegations before taking future course of action. The accused trio will be summoned for questioning as a part of the preliminary inquiry. Whether a case would be registered will depend on the inquiry,” a senior ED official told Herald.
Fatarpekar, who along with another member Vilas Desai, had earlier this month, filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Cell, accusing the three GCA officials of the large scale illegalities. The complaint mentions that Rs 2.87 crore, which were released by BCCI to the GCA were allegedly siphoned off by the trio by opening an account in Development Credit Bank.
Fatarpekar said they had to approach ED after BCCI allegedly ignored communications exposing the misdeeds in the GCA.
“We have been writing to the BCCI since last year, highlighting the alleged corruption by trio but our letters fell on deaf ears,” he said.
The GCA trio, arrested on June 15, was released on bail on June 24, with the condition that they will not enter the cricketing body’s office for next 15 days.
Investigation further revealed that the cheque of Rs 2.7 crore issued by the BCCI to GCA in November 2003 was allegedly encashed in April 2004, days before the six-month expiry period.
