Asad Rauf, an umpire of the International Cricket Council elite panel, has been accused of sexual exploitation by a Mumbai-based model. According to the model, Rauf, who is an umpire of standing from Pakistan, had physical relationship with her for several months after promising marriage. The model, Leena Kapoor, has lodged a written complaint with the police.
In her complaint, Leena said she met Rauf through a mutual acquaintance in Sri Lanka six months ago. They became closer during the latter’s frequent visits to India for his Indian Premier League assignments. Rauf, a married man and a father of two children, allegedly promised to marry her, maintaining that his religion allowed him to have more than one wife. The model has produced her photographs with the umpire as proof of the relationship.
Caught in a sex scandal. Reuters
“I asked him several times about the marriage and he would always tell me that it would happen soon,” Kapoor told MiD DAY, adding, a few days earlier she tried calling Rauf but he did not respond. Six days ago, he called her up and made it clear that he did not want any interaction with her. Rauf, however, has denied any relationship with the model and called her an acquaintance.
According to a report in the Indian Express, Rauf did not remember where she met her. “I do remember the girl. She was keen to be part of the Bigg Boss TV show and wanted me to put in a word for her,” Rauf told the paper. Dismissing the photograph, he said fans and people from the show industry ask to be photographed with cricket celebrities. Leena has rebutted Rauf’s claim, saying he was in no position to ensure him a television show.
