Indian cops checking on Maria's connection

NEW DELHI - Maria Sharapova is being investigated by police in India in a criminal conspiracy case involving a real estate company that used the tennis star to endorse a luxury housing project that never took off.

Homestead Infrastructure is accused of taking tens of millions of rupees from home buyers for a project named "Ballet by Maria Sharapova," a luxury apartment complex with its own helipad, tennis academy and other amenities.

The five-time Grand Slam champion traveled to India in 2013 to launch the project at a glitzy ceremony. Police began the investigation on Nov 16.