New Delhi: The power struggle within Hockey India (HI) escalated after its president and former India captain Dilip Tirkey lodged a complaint with Delhi Police against several officials, accusing them of ‘criminal breach of trust, theft, endangerment of life and wrongful abandonment’.
The Odisha hockey legend’s complaint seeks immediate recovery of his personal belongings and documents.
The office of DCP (South Delhi) confirmed receiving the complaint, but said no FIR has been registered so far.
Tirkey’s complaint has named former HI Executive Director Cdr R K Srivastava, Finance Manager Subodh Kumar, Director Bhushan Kumar and federation driver Harminder Singh.
Cdr Srivastava, it may be recalled, was removed from his position by Tirkey following the dispute over the national team’s saffron jersey during the FIH World Cup.
Tirkey was provided an official vehicle when he was in Delhi on an official visit on September 22, PTI reported. However, the vehicle was later recalled by the federation, with Tirkey’s personal belongings allegedly still inside.
Among the items left in the vehicle was a bag containing his essential medicines.
Tirkey reportedly contacted HI officials repeatedly, seeking the return of the vehicle and his belongings, but it was all futile.
HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said he wasn’t aware of the Tirkey’s complaint as he is in Nagoya for the Asian Games.
“I am really not aware about such a thing. I am in Japan to inspire our sides so that they directly qualify for the LA Olympics by winning gold at the Asian Games,” Singh told PTI from Nagoya.
Tirkey’s complaint comes amid a dispute with the HI secretary general over administrative decisions and meeting procedures.
The change in Indian team’s jersey colour from blue to saffron ahead of the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium resulted in a furore. Tirkey said the change was made without his consent.
The internal dispute spilled into an emergency Executive Board meeting scheduled for September 18, with Tirkey claiming it wasn’t sanctioned by him, and was therefore illegal. However, the meeting went ahead, with discussions on restructuring of the Hockey India League, election dates and proposed creation of a separate joint venture company involving franchise equity.
The meeting also discussed a new Governing Council for the HIL, the showcause notice issued by Tirkey to Srivastava and arrangements for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in Mohali and Jalandhar.