Published: Jul 13, 2016, 11:37 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 13, 2016, 11:37 AM (IST)
30 Odisha players are under scrutiny of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over forgery of age certificates in order to play for Under-19 cricket matches organised by Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) in April. CBI will also be investigating if there was any role of OCA in helping players forging the documents. The investigation is carried out by CBI’s sports integrity unit which is a specialised wing. Delhi High Court sanctioned the investigation. According to CBI, there are 30 suspects who will go under investigation for forging Voter ID and PAN cards in order to lower their age. There are chances that Tanner-Whitehouse (TW3) test report is also tampered with which is usually conducted by doctors to know player’s age. ALSO READ: BCCI set to implement stricter guidelines to curb age-fudging
CBI officer told Times of India, “According to our procedure, we have registered a preliminary inquiry (PE) report to verify the suspected charges against the 30 players and some OCA officials. Once we get prima facie evidence against them, we will convert the PE into a formal FIR and register a case.”
The 30 suspected players played for Cuttack-A and Cuttack-B in April. OCA’s rule has bee under scanner as these 30 players belong to a Cuttack-based cricket club which is managed by a relative of an OCA member. OCA secretary Asirbad Behera gave confirmation about CBI inquiry but denied reports of involvement of any OCA official. He said, “A few days ago, the CBI sought documents, relating to the players from us. We are cooperating with the CBI in its investigation.”
OCA has been under CBI scanner every now and then. CBI questioned OCA secretary along with other officials over financial benefits they got from a chit fund company named Artha Tatwa (AT) group. OCA secretary Asirbad Behera’s home was raided by CBI in August, 2014. In 2011 Odisha Premier League was investigated by Income Tax department regarding tax-fraud.
