|
Celebrities were alleged to have have pulled out of a prestigious
curry awards event after they were sent a mystery letter making
allegations about the organisers.
The glitzy £85-a-head Midland Curry Awards was set to be fronted
by newsreader Satnam Rana and Heart FM DJ Steve Denyer, but the pair
withdrew, leaving competition chiefs with an eleventh hour scramble
to replace them as hosts for the event at St John's Hotel, in Solihull.
Both received an anonymous letter circulating amongst judges and
sponsors which made allegations about Birmingham Bangladesh League,
the charity which has organised the glittering event.
Police said they were aware of allegations of
"irregularities" and were awaiting the findings of a
Charity Commission probe.
But Misbaur Rahman, chair of the Midland Curry Awards and the
Birmingham Bangladesh League, said: "It's all just mischief
making and allegations and I can't comment at this stage.
"There is obviously someone who doesn't want the awards to go
ahead and that is why these documents have been sent anonymously.
Mr Rahman refused to discuss the contents of the letter.
The letter was sent last week to the hosts as well as judges, who had
already given their verdicts.
The event was the first ever Midlands Curry Awards and accolades were
handed out to restaurants in ten areas of the region. Five business
gongs were also awarded.
TV presenter Arti Halai, who has judged the competition, said she
received an anonymous phone call asking for an e-mail address so the
caller could forward documents to her.
Ms Halai said: "I got a call from someone saying that there were
some documents that I should see.
"That was it really, I have never received anything. I have had
an urgent call to go abroad and I won't be able to make the event. My
job as a judge has already been done."
A Charity Commission spokesman said: "Concerns have been raised
with us regarding the Birmingham Bangladesh League. "We are
currently considering these concerns to determine what, if any, role
there may be for us."
A West Midlands Police spokesman added: "We are aware of an
allegation of irregularities regarding this charity. "We await
the findings of the Charity Commission."
|
