Tax inspectors raid flat of Azharuddin's wife

Income tax inspectors in India are clearly targeting theformer Test captain Mohammed Azharuddin after a series of raids on his wife's house.

Income tax inspectors in India are clearly targeting theformer Test captain Mohammed Azharuddin after a series of raids on his wife's house.

A spokesman for the income tax department in Bangalore claimed about 70 officials had conducted raids on Thursday night, entering the houses and offices of various alleged bookmakers as well as Azharuddin's wife, Sangeeta Bijlani.

"It was found that Bijlani had signed an agreement for the sale of the flat to the owner of the Dominion Club, Suresh Jain, two years ago. We were surprised that the flat still had her name written outside," the spokesman said.

"Incriminating documents relating to property and income tax evasion were recovered from Jain's and Bijlani's house," the spokesman added.

K K Sharma, the chief tax commissioner, said investigations would continue. "It will take at least two months to scrutinise the documents that have been seized," he said.

The International Cricket Conference will discuss the action of the world's fastest bowler, Brett Lee, next week after umpires reported that it was suspect. The ICC's 12-man advisory panel for illegal deliveries, chaired by Sunil Gavaskar, will discuss the matter on Tuesday.

Srini Venkataraghavan and Arani Jayaprakash, the umpires who stood in the first and the third Tests between Australia and New Zealand last March in New Zealand, reported concerns over Lee's bowling action.