BCCI secy: Johri probe panel set up in cavalier manner

MUMBAI:BCCI’s acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary has objected to the process followed in setting up the three-member committee for the inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against CEO Rahul Johri.

In a mail to the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and other BCCI office-bearers, Choudhary pointed out that the matter has been ‘dealt with in the most cavalier manner’. He also pointed that there was disagreement between CoA chief, Vinod Rai, and member Diana Edulji. Rai has said an independent enquiry was necessary as the tweet against Johri was anonymous while Eduljee wants the CEO to either resign or BCCI to terminate his contract.

The CoA appointed a threemember panel headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge, Rakesh Sharma.

“In view of the clear divergence of views of the two members of the CoA, the only recourse available was to refer the issue to either the Supreme Court or to the general body. Interestingly, two of this three-member enquiry committee are disqualified in terms of the limitation of 70 years of age, laid down by the Supreme Court in its order dated 09.08.2018. A committee stricken with such infirmities from its inception is hardly expected to dispense any real justice and is bound to be seen with great suspicion,” Choudhary said in his mail.

“The (BCCI) media release says a committee comprising three persons will look into the matter without informing how the committee was constituted or who chose its members. In view of the admitted position of one member completely disagreeing with the chairman, the esteemed member could hardly have had anything to do with the constitution of the enquiry committee. This makes the enquiry committee further suspect.”