Turf Panel to Discuss Probe on HithaNet Scam

 Hyderabad: India’s turf clubs appear to have closed ranks to protect the prime accused Suresh Paladugu and his associates at Hitha Net India and trying to downplay the criminal lapses in the illegal transport and death of several horses. The turf clubs are focusing on damage control though nine out of 57 illegally transported horses have died in Jabalpur.

As the clubs decide to bring the horses back to Hyderabad in an attempt to deflect deeper questions about betting scams and accountability, animal rights groups say it amounts to repeating the very act that endangered them in the first place.

As of Tuesday, 9 of the 57 horses transported there are dead. Dozens more remain unaccounted for from the original 154 horses in Hyderabad.

When asked about the committee of Turf Authority of India (TAI) not initiating a probe against Hitha Net, TAI chairman G, Venkatesh said they discussed the horses because it was their first concern and said that the other topics will be taken up later. “The horses were the first concern so we discussed them. We’ll take up those other topics in the next meeting.”

He confirmed a second meeting will take place but did not give a date.

Suresh Paladugu, who has denied involvement, is indirectly linked to HithaNet through known associates and ventures. Despite this, and allegations of unauthorised transport without permits or fitness certificates, no action has been taken against him or the company.

The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) and Hyderabad Race Club (HRC) are now funding the care of surviving horses.

When asked why Hitha Net hasn’t been made to pay, TAI said that too will be addressed in the next meeting.

Animal welfare groups and insiders, however, say this is a face-saving move to protect the sport’s image while sidestepping foundational questions.

Many are asking why institutions with access to resources have failed to act. “If this is how they treat racehorses with owners and infrastructure, what happens to those without means?” said an animal welfare worker.

PETA India, present in Hyderabad on Wednesday for a community outreach event said that sending the horses back to the race clubs is not rehabilitation, it’s repetition, it is a cover up. They reiterated that horse racing as an industry is exploitative and outdated.

“This is not a one-off incident,” said Meet Ashar, legal advisor and director of cruelty response.“The truth is, when horses stop winning, they become disposable.”

It indeed is not the first time something like this has happened.

In 2013, Doaba Stud Farm in Aligarh made national headlines after dozens of thoroughbreds were found starving and abandoned. Its owner, Yadvendra Singh, was declared persona non grata and banned by racing authorities.

Recalling this precedent, Chaduranga Kantharaj Urs, former chairman of Mysore Race Club and current Bangalore Turf Club committee member, said, “Once a race club declares someone persona non grata, the rule is enforced pan-India. The same must happen here. They cannot be treated differently.”

For the box:

In a noteworthy development, the Animal Husbandry Department has submitted a 300-page report to the Jabalpur collector after a 20-day investigation, which will be forwarded to the state government.

Caretaker Sachin Tiwari told media persons that the horses had previously been sent to Uttar Pradesh police during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, and negotiations were also underway with MP police for their purchase.