Ministry of Corporate Affairs orders investigation against JSCA

Ranchi: The central government has started investigating allegations of corruption against Jharkhand Cricket Association (JSCA) and JSCA's unit, Country Cricket Club.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) issued a directive on March 7, directing the regional director to investigate the management of the country cricket club following a complaint filed by Nirmala Kaur, a retired IPS officer and wife of late Amitabh Chaudhary.

Expressing concern about the current management of the JSCA, Amitabh Chaudhary's family alleged widespread corruption, mismanagement of funds and fraudulent elections following the demise of the former state body president in August 2022.

The name of Patna-based lawyer and former director of Country Cricket Club Rajiv Kumar Singh is also included in Nirmala Kaur's complaint. The MCA's decision to launch an investigation is based on a complaint by Nirmala Kaur, alleging the conduct of the club was detrimental to public interest. It alleges that resources, funded primarily by grants from the BCCI, are being used to benefit specific individuals rather than supporting the wider cricket community.

Apart from this, the complaint cites examples of fake tendering and irregularities in the election process held in November 2023. Nirmal Kaur's complaint alleges misuse of infrastructure at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association stadium and denial of access to JSCA resources to aspiring cricketers. The complaint states that club accounts are not maintained properly. The club's total income is not accounted for.

The electricity bill and all maintenance bills of the club are being paid from the BCCI grant. The club's income is used in fraudulent tendering and purchases and the management committee is enriching itself with the club's earnings. 

Additionally, the complaint has accused Rajeev Kumar Singh of maintaining permanent quarters within the JSCA Stadium despite his primary residence being in Patna, Bihar.

In December 2023, Nirmala Kaur lodged a complaint with the Jharkhand Police, which resulted in an FIR being lodged at the Dhurwa police station. The complaint alleged that some JSCA officials, along with Rajeev Kumar Singh, illegally entered the rooms meant for Amitabh Chaudhary immediately after his death and removed the items.