HCA summer camps under probe: CID alleges Rs 4 crore financial scam; general secretary arrested
The camps, organised between April 20 and May 20 this year, were held at 28 centres Statewide for under-14, under-16, and under-19 players
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
File Photo
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has landed in fresh trouble as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) widens its probe into alleged financial irregularities involving summer cricket training camps for young players.
HCA general secretary arrested in Pune after a manhunt
In another major breakthrough in the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) scam case, CID on Friday arrested HCA general secretary Devaraj Ramachander (63) in Pune, Maharashtra after a 20-day manhunt spanning seven states.
According to CID officials, Devaraj was finally arrested in Pune following a 36-hour non-stop operation. His movements were tracked in coordination with police teams from various states.
Allegations of misuse of training funds
According to CID officials about financial irregularities, over Rs 4 crore allocated for training budding cricketers across Telangana is suspected to have been misused. The camps, organised between April 20 and May 20 this year, were held at 28 centres Statewide for under-14, under-16, and under-19 players.
Each camp reportedly catered to 80-100 trainees, providing free coaching by certified trainers. The HCA claimed an expenditure of Rs 15 lakh per camp, covering cricket kits, nutritious meals and other facilities.
Facilities are poor or missing, say complaints
However, multiple complaints received by the CID allege large-scale irregularities in these camps. Complainants claim that many promised facilities and kits were either not provided or were of poor quality, raising serious concerns of embezzlement within the association.
Previous irregularities are also under probe
This revelation comes close on the heels of earlier findings, where the CID discovered that the HCA had falsely claimed Rs 2 crore worth of work actually undertaken and funded by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during IPL 2025.
Additionally, the associationās president, Jaganmohan Rao, and his team remain under scrutiny for alleged diversion of funds earmarked for stadium repairs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.
Investigation widens
CID sources confirmed that the scope of the investigation has been widened to include these fresh allegations, and further evidence is being collected to establish the extent of financial misappropriation within the cricket body.
HCA secretary arrested in Forgery and Misappropriation Case
Meanwhile, the Telangana Policeās Crime Investigation Department (CID) on Friday arrested HCA Secretary Devaraj Ramchander in connection with a forgery, cheating, and misappropriation of funds case.
Arrest from Pune hotel
According to CID officials, Devaraj, a resident of Sainikpuri had been absconding, was traced and arrested from a hotel in Pune.
Devaraj had been missing since the investigation began, prompting the CID to issue a lookout circular (LOC) at all Indian airports. He was subsequently brought to Hyderabad and produced before a court for judicial remand.
Sixth arrest in HCA case
Devaraj is the second accused in the criminal case registered on June 9 against several HCA office-bearers. He is the sixth person to be arrested so far.
Earlier, on July 9, HCA President A. Jagan Mohan Rao, Treasurer C.J. Srinivasa Rao, CEO Sunil Kante, Sri Chakra Cricket Club President G. Kavitha, and General Secretary Rajendra Yadav were taken into custody.
Forged documents to secure HCA posts
The CID investigation revealed that Jagan Mohan Rao, in collusion with Rajendra Yadav and his wife Kavitha, allegedly forged documents of Sri Chakra Cricket Club by using the forged signature of C. Krishna Yadav, President of Gowlipura Cricket Club. These documents were then used as genuine to facilitate Jagan Mohan Raoās election as HCA President.
Charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust
Based on a complaint filed by Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) General Secretary Dharam Guruva Reddy, the CID registered a case under IPC sections 465, 468, 471, 403, 409, and 420 read with 34, charging the accused with forgery, cheating, criminal breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds.
Allegations of intimidation during IPL 2025
The CID stated that Jagan Mohan Rao, along with Treasurer C.J. Srinivas Rao and CEO Sunil Kante, misappropriated public funds and wrongfully restrained IPL Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) officials. The accused allegedly intimidated and blackmailed SRH officials over complimentary tickets and access to corporate boxes, even threatening them with dire consequences.
There were also widespread allegations of ticketing irregularities during the IPL 2025 season at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
