Sports Ministry forms committee to probe hockey sex scandal

NEW DELHI: The Sports Ministry on Thursday formed a five-member committee, headed by Director Sarada Ali Khan, to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment against former women’s hockey coach MK Kaushik.

“Sports Ministry has decided to entrust the enquiry in the matter of allegations of sexual harassment against former women hockey coach MK Kaushik to the Ministry’s ‘Committee on Sexual Harassment’,” the ministry said.

Director Deepika Kachhal will work in the committee as the special counsellor, while the body also includes Deputy Secretary Thanglemlian and Private Secretary Padma Memon as members.

Advocate and member in-charge law and legislation, Bulbul Das has also been appointed in the committee. Delhi Commission for Women member Yasmin Khan has been co-opted as a member in the enquiry committee.

“The committee shall conduct enquiry into the allegations and submit its report at the earliest,” the Ministry said.

Kaushik had resigned after player Ranjitha Devi complained to Hockey India that he sexually harassed her during the recent Canada and China tours.

HI had already referred the case to Delhi Police after examining the report of its five-member inquiry committee set up after Ranjitha’s complaint.