Kirti Azad backs Shah Rukh

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former cricketer Kirti Azad Thursday came in support of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, saying cricket officials were targeting him to divert attention from the IPL spot fixing issue.

"First, it's hard to believe Shah Rukh was drunk. I think this is a ploy by the BCCI to hide the spot fixing issue," Azad said of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

"BCCI has double standards, it's a diabolical situation. Why does the board want a police probe (against) the actor?" he asked.

The actor and cricket officials were locked in a row at the Wankhade stadium in Mumbai, with each side accusing the other of misbehaviour after the Kolkata Knight Riders beat Mumbai Indians.

Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya, also an MP, said Shah Rukh was a very well behaved man.

"I know Shah Rukh from a long time, he is exceptionally well behaved. Shah Rukh is very passionate and enthusiastic about his team."

Former railway minister Lalu Prasad said: "We should listen to Shah Rukh's version also before jumping to conclusions."