Indian cricketer’s membership of Mumbai club suspended over father’s alleged ‘religious activities’

Jemimah Rodrigues’ membership at Khar Gymkhana was revoked due to allegations that her father used the club for religious conversion activities, violating club rules.

New Delhi: Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues faced controversy when Khar Gymkhana, a historic club in Mumbai, revoked her membership. The club’s decision came after some members raised concerns that her father had allegedly used the premises for religious conversion activities, leading to the cancellation.

The decision to revoke Jemimah Rodrigues’ membership was made during Khar Gymkhana’s Annual General Body meeting on Sunday. Club President Vivek Devnani confirmed the development to the Indian Express, stating, “The honorary three-year membership granted to Ms. Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked following a resolution passed by the members at the general meeting held on October 20, 2024.”

Khar Gymkhana managing committee member Shiv Malhotra gave details of the activities that took place in the premises. “We came to know that Jemimah Rodrigues’s father was attached to an organisation called Brother Manuel Ministries. They booked the presidential hall for almost a year and a half and held 35 events. We all know what was happening there,” he said.

“We hear about conversions all over the country, but it’s happening right under our nose. There was dancing, expensive music equipment, big screens. As per Khar Gymkhana’s bye-laws Rule 4A of the constitution, Khar Gymkhana does not permit any religious activity,” Malhotra added.

Former Khar Gymkhana president Nitin Gadekar said, “Me, Malhotra and a few other members went to see it. We saw the room was dark, trance music was playing and a lady was saying ‘He is coming to save us’. I was surprised how Gymkhana can allow this in the first place. We protested and it was decided to cancel her membership.”