Sad that it happened, it was unnecesary: Avesh Khan on his controversial celebration against RCB
Bengaluru: Avesh Khan, the fast bowler from Madhya Pradesh, expressed regret over his helmet-throwing incident during an IPL match between Lucknow Supergiant's and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru. In an interview with the Indian Express, Khan admitted that his emotions got the better of him in the heat of the moment, leading to the incident.
He acknowledged that his actions were inappropriate and expressed remorse for his behavior, particularly as it gained significant attention and criticism on social media.
Looking ahead, Khan is hopeful of making a comeback to the Indian team as the West Indies series approaches. His last appearance for India was in October 2022 against South Africa. While he was not included in the T20 World Cup squad in Australia, Khan performed well in domestic cricket, particularly in test matches, where he claimed 38 wickets in eight matches for Madhya Pradesh. However, his IPL campaign did not meet his personal expectations. Despite this, Khan highlighted his contribution to the team, bowling crucial overs in the powerplay and at the death, and maintaining an economy rate of less than 10 in a season characterized by high-scoring matches.
Khan received praise from his Lucknow team coach, Andy Flower, for his dedication and selflessness in prioritizing the team's success. Flower commended Khan's commitment, even playing through injuries, as he had stitches in his hand during some IPL games. Khan emphasized the challenges faced by fast bowlers, particularly the mental toll of transitioning from international cricket to domestic cricket. He spoke about the demanding schedule, physical strain, and limited rest days associated with playing domestic matches.
In his pursuit of an India comeback, Khan has sought guidance from various experts. Subroto Banerjee, a current selector, advised him to focus on keeping his wrist straight, while Paras Mhambrey, the Indian team's bowling coach, provided insights on utilizing the non-bowling arm effectively. Additionally, Gautam Gambhir, the Lucknow team mentor, encouraged Khan to bowl at maximum pace, even if it meant conceding runs. Khan has diligently analyzed his bowling videos to identify areas for improvement and work on rectifying his shortcomings, Khan said during the interview.
When asked about his chances of being selected for the upcoming tour of the West Indies, Khan remained hopeful but acknowledged that the selection process was beyond his control. He expressed determination to make a comeback and emphasized his commitment to achieving that goal.
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ED arrests Sandeepa Virk, 'cosmetologist' for alleged money laundering
New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate said on Wednesday it has arrested a woman, who claims to be an actor and a cosmetologist, under the anti-money laundering law in a case of alleged fraud and misrepresentation.
The agency said the purported links of the woman, Sandeepa Virk, with a Reliance Group executive, Angarai Natarajan Sethuraman (President, Corporate Affairs), are also under its scanner. Sethuraman, in a statement, denied any connection with Virk or any transactions related to her.
Virk was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Tuesday after searches were conducted against her and her associates in Delhi and Mumbai over the last two days.
A special court sent her to the ED's custody till August 14, the agency said. The woman claims to be the owner of a skin care products selling website named hyboocare.com, which the ED claimed was a "front" for money laundering.
She and her associates are being probed for allegedly exerting undue influence through "misrepresentation" and "defrauding" individuals by soliciting money under false pretences.
According to an Instagram ID of Virk, she is an actor and entrepreneur and the founder of the said website.
The federal agency said in a statement that the woman was also "in touch with" Sethuraman, former director of erstwhile Reliance Capital Limited.
She was communicating with him regarding "illegal liaisoning", the ED claimed, adding that the searches at Sethuraman's residence "confirmed" these allegations.
"Besides, diversion of funds for personal benefit has also been unearthed during the course of the search action," it said.
The ED alleged that public money worth about Rs 18 crore belonging to Reliance Commercial Finance Limited (RCFL) was disbursed to Sethuraman in 2018 by "flouting" prudent lending norms.
The funds were lent under terms that allowed a deferment of the principal amount as well as the interest, with multiple waivers granted and no due diligence conducted, it said.
The ED claimed that besides this, a home loan of Rs 22 crore was provided by Reliance Capital Limited by "violating" the prudential norms. "A large part of these loans are seen to have been eventually siphoned off and remained unpaid," it alleged.
Sethuraman, in a statement, dismissed the allegations as "baseless". He denied any connection with Virk or any transactions related to her.
Detailing about Virk's web portal, the agency said it purportedly sold FDA-approved beauty products. However, the ED said the products listed on the website have been found to be non-existent and the portal lacks a user registration option and is plagued by persistent payment gateway issues.
A scrutiny of the website uncovered minimal social-media engagement, an inactive WhatsApp contact number and an absence of transparent organisational details, all of which reinforce the finding of "non-genuine" commercial activity, the ED claimed.
"These factors, including limited product range, inflated pricing, false claims of FDA approval and technical inconsistencies, indicate that the website serves as a front for laundering funds," it said.
Another social media-hosted bio data of the woman said she is a certified cosmetologist.
The ED said several "incriminating" documents were seized during the searches and the statement of a man named Farrukh Ali, stated to be an associate of Virk, was recorded.
The money-laundering case stems from an FIR lodged by the Punjab Police.
Sethuraman said that the home loan he received from Reliance Capital was granted following due process and was secured by the property offered as collateral.
