Bank manager cross examined in IPL scam

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) cross-examined Naseer Khan, the chief manager of the then State Bank of Travancore, which was merged with the State Bank of India, in connection with the IPL scam on Friday. Khan as manager of the then State Bank of Travancore was involved in transferring funds to Cricket South Africa (CSA) for hosting IPL season 2 in South Africa. 

The transfer of funds to a foreign entity without approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the basis of the alleged FEMA violation. The ED is probing this and the cross examination was conducted based on a writ filed by former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi before the Bombay High Court. It sought the cross examination of the former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials. The cross examination took place in the presence of ED’s special director and focused on the transfer of funds as Khan was manager of the then State Bank of Travancore, which had transferred funds to CSA for hosting the IPL. 

While Khan answered some questions, the cross examination had to be deferred to a later date as he complained of ill health. “During the cross examination, Khan developed unease and sought adjournment to a further date on account of his indisposition. The adjudicating authority acceded to his request and adjourned his cross examination to March 21,” said a lawyer representing Modi.  The cross examinations of IPL COO Sundar Raman and former IPL chairman and BCCI former VP Chirayu Amin was completed on Thursday.