Post Wadia-SSP spat PCA in spot over ‘dues’

Punjab Govt would have a "re-look" at the free security and entertainment tax exemption granted to PCA.

Punjab Government would have a “re-look” at the free security and entertainment tax exemption granted to Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) for hosting various cricket matches at the Mohali stadium, including the on-going Indian Premier League.

This was stated by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal who was answering newsmen’s questions relating to the Mohali police slapping a bill of Rs 1.88 crore on the PCA for providing security for the IPL matches following the Wadia-SSP spat and the Association refusing to pay the bill saying it was a “non-profit making bodies discharging public functions”.

Initially Badal said it was the duty of the state to provide security at various functions, including social, political and sports.

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On the spat between Kings Punjab team co-owner Ness Wadia and Mohali SSP R S Khatra, he said, “It has been sorted out” and laughed away further queries on free security issue.

But when media persons persisted with the questions relating to free security and tax exemption saying various match staging centres, including Mumbai Kolkata and Chennai, were paying for the security provided by the state police, Badal sought to know their (media) views.

After some media persons said the PCA should be charged since it was making huge profit through various activities, including selling liquor, Badal said, “I will re-look into the aspect of free security and tax exemption.”

“When you (media) have given the consent it (charging for security and tax) will be done,” he said.

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Wadia had allegedly accused Mohali’s SSP and his cops of stealing liquor and T-shirts and calling him a “mean and lowly person” after which the police issued a bill for Rs 1.88 crore for the IPL matches at the PCA stadium in Mohali.

PCA Chief I S Bindra on his part said, “Let me make it abundantly clear to everyone that we are a non-profit making public body and that is why we get income tax and entertainment duty exemption,” and questioned how the Mohali police could “demand money after the event is held”.

“We always pay for certain items and pay for the police welfare fund and provide free meals to cops on duty,” he said. The SSP has lodged a written complaint with the local Deputy Commissioner against Wadia charging him with having humiliated him and levelled allegations against the police.

Mohali Deputy Commissioner Rahul Bhandari has referred the complaint to the state’s Home Secretary for further action in the matter.