IOA forms a four-member independent committee to probe sexual harassment and intimidation allegations against Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh following complaints by former India captain Asunta Lakra.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formed a four-member independent Committee to probe allegations of sexual harassment and institutional intimidation levelled against Hockey India (HI) secretary general Bhola Nath Singh. The allegations were made by former India women’s hockey captain Asunta Lakra, who claimed that she was threatened by Bhola Nath Singh after she objected to the alleged sexual allegations against girls in Jharkhand by hockey coach Sudhir Golla.
In a letter to Hockey India, IOA President P. T. Usha has asked the federation to extend full cooperation to the committee and also fund all expenses, including travel and accommodation. The four-member committee include Justice (retd) Deepa Sharma, Vandana Rao, former women’s hockey captain Mamta Kharab and lawyer Sitwat Nabi.
“Hockey India is requested to make the requisite payments towards the honorarium and other expenses of the chairperson and members of the committee, including their travel, accommodation and other incidental expenses incurred in connection with the work of the committee,” the IOA president said in her letter.
“Hockey India is also requested to extend its full cooperation to the committee and to ensure that all relevant records, documents, information and such other assistance as may be required are made available to the committee in a timely manner, so as to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively and expeditiously,” the letter added.
The committee was formed after the Sports Ministry in July had asked the IOA to probe allegations of sexual harassment and institutional intimidation.