JKCA scam: Abdullah hits back at Mufti, accuses PDP of trying to tarnish his image

New Delhi/Jammu, Mar 12 (ANI): National Conference leader and Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) President Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit back at People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, asking her to check all the facts before making any allegations in connection with a cricket scam in the state.

Accusing the PDP of trying to tarnish his image, Abdullah said: "Mufti cannot target me. I am too clean for it. She should cheek her facts before making any allegation."

He said that the attempt to tarnish his image was unfortunate.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti had earlier in the day criticized Abdullah after his name surfaced in connection with a multi-crore scam surrounding the sport body.

"This scandal of the cricket association involves the money meant for the youth of Kashmir. The government is involved in irregularities in jobs and now the only thing left was the Cricket Association, which receives millions of rupees as funds," said Mufti.

"But today, we came to know that Farooq Abdullah is embezzling the funds. I think this is the tip of the iceberg and there is much to know about the scandal in which millions of rupees are involved," she added.

In order to vent their anger, the legislators of the opposition walked out of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly earlier today after the speaker dismissed the call for the introduction of the adjournment motion.

"The government baton-charge on the youth and do not allow them to come out freely on the roads and do not even allow them to ask for jobs. Now, when the youngsters want to play cricket, the government is siphoning off the money, which belongs to them," said Mufti.

"If this issue will not be discussed in the assembly, then where else will it be discussed, on the road? We had called for the introduction of the adjournment motion and it was dismissed and disallowed by the speaker," she added.

Mufti also demanded the intervention of the Central Government and a high-level probe into the matter.

"Does Jammu and Kashmir become an inseparable part of the country only when the government wants to justify its actions? Right now, when the state is reeling under corruption, misgovernance, and millions of rupees are being siphoned off, is Jammu and Kashmir not an integral part of India? Do the people of Jammu and Kashmir not deserve justice?" she said.

According to certain media reports, the scam allegedly involves siphoning off funds to the tune of Rs.24.64 crore, meant for cricket, by creating bogus accounts. (ANI)