Unhappy with HI panel, players want SAI to probe charge

NEW DELHI: As expected, the Indian women’s hockey team is not happy with the panel Hockey India formed on Wednesday to probe the sexual harassment charges against coach MK Kaushik. They have sent a letter to the sports ministry on Thursday, stating that Sports Authority of India (SAI) should be given responsibility of probing the matter.

The letter stated, “we are not satisfied with the way the probe committee members especially Mr. Zafar Iqbal who is giving statements to news channels. That has led us to doubt the approach of the inquiry committee towards the issue concerning Ms. Ranjita. We want a proper inquiry by the Sports Authority of India as we have faith in the assurance given by you (ministry). We are attaching a scanned copy of the request letter by Ms. Ranjita. Kindly do the needful.”

Ranjita herself shot off a letter to the executive director of the SAI, saying: “I have been inquired by the four-member committee appointed by Hockey India on the issues of harassment by the chief coach MK Kaushik. I am not satisfied with the approach of the committee and I want the SAI to undertake an inquiry and talk to me for the same. Kindly arrange for this.”

Meanwhile, Kaushik’s resignation was accepted by Hockey India on Thursday. Kaushik also responded to the allegations by submitting his side of the story in writing to the enquiry committee. The committee, which received Kaushik’s response in the evening, will go through it before submitting a report to the HI president, who will then forward it to SAI for further action.