Sports Ministry’s instructions to IOA – form a committee to investigate the allegations of former women’s hockey captain Lakra

New Delhi16 july. The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an independent, impartial and transparent committee to investigate the allegations of former Indian women’s hockey team captain Asunta Lakra. According to ministry sources, the Sports Ministry has also sought clarification from Hockey India (HI) in this matter.

Ministry also sought clarification from Hockey India in this matter

It is noteworthy that Lakra had written a letter to the Sports Ministry requesting immediate intervention to protect those accused of sexual harassment in hockey, and alleging misbehavior and intimidation of female players. He had accused Hockey India General Secretary Bholanath Singh of threatening him.

Asunta also accuses Hockey India General Secretary Bholanath Singh of threatening her.

After this, the Ministry had asked Hockey India to get the allegations of threat and harassment made by Lakra investigated by its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and share its outcome with the Ministry.

HI President Tirkey had written a letter to the Ministry requesting for an independent investigation.

However, Hockey India President and former Indian captain Dilip Tirkey requested the Sports Ministry to set up an independent inquiry committee to impartially investigate the allegations of sexual harassment, abuse and bullying made by Asunta Lakra. Tirkey said that since the allegations relate to an official of Hockey India, questions may be raised regarding impartiality if the investigation is conducted through the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

Email sent to Sports Ministry

Tirkey had said in an email sent to the Sports Ministry on Wednesday, ‘Hockey India takes these allegations very seriously and is fully committed to the safety, dignity and protection of the players. However, since the allegations relate to some officials of Hockey India, referring the matter to Hockey India’s ICC may raise questions about the impartiality of the investigation. He urged the Ministry to constitute an independent inquiry committee comprising of persons not associated with Hockey India to investigate the matter, so that the investigation can be conducted in a fair, transparent and independent manner.

assurance of all possible cooperation

Dilip Tirkey also assured in his email that if the Ministry constitutes an independent inquiry committee, Hockey India will fully cooperate in the investigation.