Mumbai police returns after quizzing Dalmiya

Kolkata, Apr 6 (UNI) The sleuthso of Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai police, after completing their second phase of investigation based on alleged misappropriation of fund of Rs 21.74 lakh from the 1996 World Cup Cricket, returned today.

Sources close to former BCCI president Jagmohun Dalmiya told UNI, ''We have given them our full cooperation and they must have gone back satisfied.'' In the last two days they grilled Mr Dalmiya and two others in four sessions- almost fourteen hours- at different venues.

The investigation took place at the CID headquarters at Bhawani Bhavan and CAB premises at Eden Gardens. The EOW officials also went to Indian Overseas Bank, Elgin Road Branch in South Kolkata, to insepct documents related to the case.

''Not only the required papers and documents were supplied, we also made it a point that they could talk to the suppliers if necessary,'' he added.

During investigation the EOW officials hinted that they gathered some clues against former BCCI president and two other ex-officials of the board.

''The investigation is going in the right direction,'' Sudhir Mahadik, heading the EOW) team from Mumbai Police, said yesterday.

The two others board officials- Kishore Rungta and Jyoti Bajpai, both former treasurers, were also interrogated.

To a specific query whether they had found any clue against the former Board officials, Mr Mahadik said, ''We are getting them. But we cannot disclose details now.'' Mr Dalmiya, however, said, ''If the investigation goes in the right direction then I am safe as they will not find anything against me.'' The initial round of interrogations were conducted at the West Bengal Police CID headquarters from 1210 hrs to 1430 hrs, after which the Mumbai Police headed for the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) headquarters located at the Eden Gardens to continue their investigations.

The EOW team earlier rejected the request from Dalmiya's lawyer Tamal Mukherjee to be present during interrogation. The interrogation of the former BCCI officials was being conducted as per a directive of Mumbai High Court.

UNI BA PC DH HT1717