Hockey India to set up panel to probe sexual misconduct allegations

KOLKATA: Hockey India on Monday held an executive board meeting, where it decided to set up an enquiry committee to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against one of its officials.HI president Dilip Tirkey had decided to call an emergency meeting last month after cases of sexual harassment, misconduct, ethical violations and disciplinary failures against coaches and officials within the organisation.Speaking after attending the meeting at the Hockey India office in New Delhi, Asima Ali, vice-president Hockey India, told TOI, “Rather than jumping to conclusions, we, as a board, felt the need for due process. I proposed that a proper enquiry committee be constituted so that the matter can be examined thoroughly.”“If the findings establish that he has indeed been involved in such activities, then Hockey India should take strict action. He should be dismissed immediately and removed from the sport without delay,” she further added.Ali, however, said she was not satisfied with the current Internal Complaints Committee dealing with sexual harassment cases and has proposed to the president that she be included in the panel to ensure proper investigation.“I have proposed it, but it ultimately depends on the board. If they approve my inclusion in the committee — ideally unanimously — I will certainly take it up,” said Ali, who is a lawyer by profession.“This is a sensitive matter, and as a woman, I can relate to these concerns. I also come from a legal background. So, I believe I can contribute to ensure the process is handled properly and fairly.”She, however, spoke highly of Tirkey, who, according to her, was open and positive during the meeting. “Some members did oppose the idea initially, saying there was no need for such a step as the official concerned had been doing good work and that allegations could be an attempt to malign him,” said Ali.“However, the president was very firm on this. He pointed out that he has been receiving repeated calls from umpires raising similar concerns about this official. The complaints, ranging from sexual harassment to seeking favours, cannot be ignored.”Meanwhile, according to sources, Tirkey has also shared evidence and provided details of several individuals who reached out to him with the Sports Authority of India.Besides the complaint against the HI official, assistant coach Sudhir Golla was also removed from the U-18 boys’ camp in Bhopal after it emerged that he had been sacked by the Jharkhand govt from the Eklavya Hockey Training Centre in Ranchi over absenteeism and harassment complaints.