Why Was the Hyderabad Cricket Association President Sent to Judicial Custody?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Judicial custody ordered for HCA president and officials.
- Charges include forgery and misappropriation of funds.
- CID investigation initiated based on a complaint.
- Allegations of intimidation by HCA officials against SRH.
- Vigilance Commission recommends action following inquiry.
Hyderabad, July 10 (NationPress) - A city court has taken significant action by sending A. Jagan Mohan Rao, the president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), along with the treasurer, CEO, and two others, into judicial custody due to their involvement in a serious case concerning forgery, cheating, and misappropriation of funds.
The judicial custody, which spans 14 days, was ordered by the Malkajgiri Court for Jagan Mohan Rao, treasurer C. J. Srinivasa Rao, HCA CEO Sunil Kante, general secretary of Sri Chakra Cricket Club Rajendra Yadav, and Chakra Cricket Club president G. Kavitha.
The Crime Investigation Department (CID) arrested these individuals on Wednesday, subsequently presenting them in court following a medical examination.
In an official statement, the CID indicated that the HCA officials and their associates were apprehended due to their involvement in document forgery aimed at cheating and misappropriating funds, constituting a criminal breach of trust.
As stated by Additional DGP CID, Charu Sinha, the investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by Dharam Guruva Reddy, General Secretary of the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA).
The CID initiated the case on June 9, 2025, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 465, 468, 471, 403, 409, and 420 r/w 34.
Investigations revealed that Jagan Mohan Rao, in collaboration with Rajender Yadav and G. Kavitha, forged the signature of C. Krishna Yadav, the president of Gowlipura Cricket Club. These forged documents were deceitfully presented as authentic, allowing Jagan Mohan Rao to illegitimately assume the position of HCA President.
Furthermore, the CID uncovered that Jagan Mohan Rao conspired with Srinivas Rao, Sunil Kante, and others to commit a breach of trust, leading to the misappropriation of public funds. Allegations surfaced regarding the intimidation and coercion of officials from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for complimentary tickets and access to corporate boxes.
During the IPL 2025 season at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, there were claims of ticket irregularities. HCA officials purportedly pressured IPL franchise SRH for surplus tickets, including those intended for personal sale.
SRH accused Rao of employing intimidation and blackmail tactics concerning complimentary tickets and corporate box access.
Following SRH's threat to consider relocating from Hyderabad, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy mandated an inquiry by the Vigilance Commission.
The Telangana Vigilance Commission reportedly substantiated the allegations made against HCA officials by the SRH management and recommended appropriate action.
Jagan Mohan Rao, who was elected as HCA president in October 2023, had previously established the Akshara Educational Society in 2010, founding six schools, and also created two NGOs aimed at enhancing educational facilities and job opportunities.