Model names Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf in sex scandal

MUMBAI: Top International Cricket Council ( ICC) umpire Asad Rauf has been accused by a Mumbai-based model, Leena Kapoor, of sexually exploiting her for several months after promising marriage. Rauf, who is a Pakistani, has been coming to India for several cricket tournaments, including the Indian Premier League, during which Leena alleges they had a relationship.

            

The 21-year-old model has filed a written complaint with deputy commissioner of police (Zone 6) Pratap Dighavkar, in which she claims she had a six-month affair with the 56-year-old umpire, which was prolonged only because he promised that they would soon get married. However, Rauf has now backed off, she says. "When I tried calling him a few days ago, there was no response," she says, adding that last week, Rauf called her to say that he did not know who she was and refused to have any more interaction.

Pakistani website thenews.com.pk quoted Rauf as denying the allegations and saying Kapoor was seeking to gain publicity by linking her name to his.

Model Leena Kapoor, who stays at Oshiwara, claims she met Rauf for the first time in Sri Lanka six months ago through a mutual friend. "We exchanged numbers and stayed together in the island nation for three days," she says. "He also came to Mumbai to meet me when I was ill and we became closer." It was then, she adds, that the umpire --already married and a father of two-- said he would marry her. "He convinced me that because his religion allowed more than one marriage, he could marry me. He kept saying his family wouldn't have a problem with his second marriage," she says.

"He also offered to buy me a flat in Mumbai. But I never wanted his money. I have enough for myself and am busy with my work," she adds.

DCP Dighavkar confirmed receiving a complaint from Leena. "It has been forwarded to a senior inspector (at Versova Police Station)," he said. "He has been asked to conduct an inquiry, based on which further action will be taken."

Rauf has stood in 44 Tests, 95 ODIs and 17 T20 matches and is considered among the best in the world. Prior to umpiring, Rauf was also a first-class cricketer in Pakistan.