Mohammed Azharuddin alleges defamatory messages being circulated against him

Former Indian cricket team captain Mohammed Azharuddin has approached the city police, alleging that some persons posted and circulated "defamatory" messages against him on an instant messaging app.

The former Congress MP from Moradabad approached Hyderabad Commissioner of Police M Mahendar Reddy last week, seeking action against those responsible for posting and circulating the "defamatory" messages against him.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Task Force) B Limba Reddy, however, said today that no case had been filed in connection with the matter, as the messages (on the app) did not attract the provisions of the Information Technology Act.

"He (Azhar) can file a defamation case if he wants to," he added.

The DCP refuted the reports in a section of the media here that Masood Khan, the legal counsel of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, was questioned in connection with the defamatory messages against the former cricketer, saying, "Nothing like that."

Azharuddin, who played 99 Tests and 334 ODIs, captained India in three World Cups.